Lady Gaga’s Experience Filming ‘A Star Is Born’ on Lithium and Seeking ‘Psychiatric Care’ Lady Gaga recently disclosed in a Rolling Stone cover story interview that she was filming the movie ‘A Star Is Born’ while on lithium. The talented songstress shared that during that time, she was on the verge of a psychotic break. Lady Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, opened up about her mental health struggles and revealed that she used lithium, a medication commonly used as a mood stabilizer, to manage her condition, often associated with the treatment of bipolar disorder. The iconic singer also shed light on her battle with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder, during the filming of the movie in 2017 and subsequently during her Joanne World Tour the same year.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/lady-gaga-rolling-stone-1-111325-a287ea97073847d7b1afe7bf689fe6a4.jpg)
Lady Gaga’s Journey towards Recovery
Following the intense filming of ‘A Star Is Born,’ Lady Gaga embarked on her Joanne World Tour, but her health took a toll due to her ongoing struggles with fibromyalgia. In February 2018, the ‘Bad Romance’ singer made a difficult decision to cancel the remaining tour dates to prioritize her well-being. Reflecting on a challenging period, Gaga shared that there was a moment when her sister expressed concerns, stating that she no longer recognized her sibling. This prompted Gaga to seek psychiatric care and take a step back to focus on her mental health. Recalling the experience, she admitted to feeling completely drained and overwhelmed, leading to a point where she doubted her ability to recover, which she described as a frightening moment in her life.
The Turning Point and Seeking Help
Despite the turmoil she faced, Lady Gaga expressed gratitude for being alive today, acknowledging the severity of her past struggles with mental health. She highlighted the importance of recognizing the potential severity of mental health issues and the critical need for timely intervention and support. In her documentary ‘Gaga: Five Foot Two,’ released in 2017, the singer provided a glimpse into her health challenges, including undergoing treatments to alleviate muscle spasms. The documentary portrayed Gaga’s vulnerability as she grappled with the emotional and physical toll of her health battles.
Post-Tour Reflections and a Message of Hope
After halting her Joanne World Tour, Lady Gaga was honored at the SAG-AFTRA Patron of the Artists Award fundraiser, where she candidly addressed her struggles with mental health and the impact on her life. She acknowledged the pressures she faced in her career, the toll it took on her mental well-being, and the eventual physical manifestations of her mental health struggles. Gaga stressed the significance of seeking help and the adverse effects of neglecting one’s mental health needs. She emphasized the importance of destigmatizing mental health challenges and fostering a supportive environment for individuals to seek help without hesitation.
Empowering Others through Vulnerability
Lady Gaga’s journey to recovery serves as a beacon of hope for many grappling with mental health issues. By sharing her journey with honesty and vulnerability, she encourages others to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed. Her openness about her struggles, including dissociation, PTSD, fibromyalgia, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation, underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns proactively. Gaga’s message resonates with the significance of early intervention and destigmatization of mental health issues, paving the way for individuals to seek support without fear or shame.
The Impact of Gaga’s Story and the Path Ahead
Lady Gaga’s revelation about her mental health journey sheds light on the complexities of managing mental well-being in the limelight and the importance of self-care amidst demanding schedules and expectations. Her resilience in navigating her challenges and advocating for mental health awareness sets a powerful example for her fans and the broader community. As Gaga continues to inspire through her music and advocacy work, her story serves as a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of seeking help during times of need. Lady Gaga’s courage in sharing her struggles resonates with many, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and support for those facing similar battles.