Pop superstar Lady Gaga has made startling revelations about the severe mental health crisis she experienced during and after filming the award-winning 2018 musical drama A Star Is Born.
The Breaking Point During Filming
In a deeply personal disclosure, the singer and actress revealed she was prescribed lithium, a medication used to treat mood disorders, while working on the critically acclaimed film. The emotional toll of the production, in which she played aspiring singer Ally opposite Bradley Cooper's Jackson Maine, pushed her to her psychological limits.
The situation deteriorated so significantly that Gaga later suffered what she described as a "psychotic break" that necessitated professional psychiatric care. This crisis occurred despite the film's massive success and her acclaimed performance of the Oscar-winning song "Shallow."
Cancelled Tour and Hidden Struggle
The extent of her struggle became publicly apparent when she cancelled the remaining dates of her 2018 Joanne world tour. At the time, her team cited severe physical pain from fibromyalgia as the reason for the cancellation.
However, Gaga has now revealed the truth behind this decision, admitting she needed to step away from her professional commitments to address her deteriorating mental health. She described reaching a point where she "completely crashed" and has expressed feeling "really lucky to be alive" after this difficult period.
Recovery and Renewed Perspective
Those close to the artist noticed significant changes in her wellbeing during this challenging time. Gaga's sister observed a dramatic transformation in the star's condition and overall state.
Now, several years later, Lady Gaga considers herself a "healthy, whole person" once again. She credits her recovery to the steadfast support of her fiancé, Michael Polansky, who stood by her throughout the healing process.
The experience has also influenced her creative output, with Gaga confirming that this period of mental health struggle and subsequent recovery has shaped the content and themes of her upcoming album, Mayhem.
Her candid revelations provide a powerful insight into the hidden psychological costs that can accompany artistic success and highlight the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing, even at the peak of one's career.
