Lady Gaga Says She Took Lithium While Filming ‘A Star Is Born’ Role

Lady Gaga Opens Up About Taking Lithium During ‘A Star Is Born’

In a heartfelt and candid interview with Rolling Stone, Lady Gaga, the multi-talented singer and actress, disclosed that she was taking lithium while filming the 2018 critically acclaimed movie, A Star Is Born. At 39 years old, Gaga shared this personal detail for the first time, revealing that the mood-stabilizing drug helped her navigate the intense emotional demands of her role.

Lithium is commonly prescribed to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, helping to regulate mood swings and stabilize emotions. Although Gaga has not publicly confirmed any specific diagnosis, her openness about using lithium highlights the importance of mental health awareness, especially for those in the entertainment industry.

The Impact of Mental Health on Gaga’s Career During ‘A Star Is Born’

While A Star Is Born was not Lady Gaga’s first acting role, it marked her debut as a leading actress in a major feature film. The movie was a massive success, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a win for Best Original Song with the hit “Shallow.” Despite this triumph, Gaga’s mental health journey during this period was challenging.

During the film’s production and her simultaneous Joanne World Tour, Gaga faced significant emotional strain. In February 2018, she made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining tour dates to focus on her well-being. She later revealed that she sought psychiatric care after a particularly difficult period when her sister expressed concern about her state of mind.

“There was one day that my sister said to me, ‘I don’t see my sister anymore,’” Gaga shared. “And I canceled the tour. There was one day I went to the hospital for psychiatric care. I needed to take a break. I couldn’t do anything. … I completely crashed. It was really scary. There was a time where I didn’t think I could get better. … I feel really lucky to be alive. I know that might sound dramatic, but we know how this can go.”

Her honesty about this vulnerable time has resonated with many fans and advocates for mental health, demonstrating that even global superstars face struggles and seek help.

Finding Support and Healing Through Love and Music

Shortly after this difficult period, Lady Gaga met her fiancé, Michael Polansky. She credits their relationship with playing a crucial role in her healing process. “Being in love with someone that cares about that real me made a very big difference,” she explained. Their bond provided Gaga with the emotional support she needed to regain stability and continue pursuing her passions.

In addition to her personal growth, Gaga continued to thrive professionally. She released her seventh studio album, Mayhem, in March 2025, accompanied by The Mayhem Ball tour. Polansky also contributed as an executive producer on the album, which received seven Grammy Award nominations, underscoring Gaga’s continued artistic success.

The couple’s relationship became public in early 2020, following speculation after they were seen together on New Year’s Eve 2019. Gaga shared that quarantining with Polansky during the pandemic was a transformative experience. “I’d been so focused on my career since I was a teenager. And the gift of that time was that I got to completely focus on my relationship,” she told Vogue in September 2024. “I met this totally supportive, loving human being who wanted to get to know me — outside of Lady Gaga.”

Their love story culminated in an engagement earlier in 2024, with their red carpet debut at the Venice Film Festival premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux later that year.

Conclusion

Lady Gaga’s revelation about taking lithium during the filming of A Star Is Born offers a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health care, even for those who seem to have it all. Her journey underscores that seeking help and finding support can lead to healing and continued success. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Stay inspired by Lady Gaga’s story and remember that you are not alone.

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