Lady Gaga Reveals She Filmed ‘A Star Is Born’ on Lithium, Which Led to a Psychotic Break

Lady Gaga, one of the most influential pop stars of our time, recently opened up about a deeply personal and challenging period in her life. In a candid interview, she revealed that she was on lithium medication while filming the critically acclaimed movie *A Star Is Born*. This revelation sheds light on the mental health struggles she faced during a time of immense professional success. The experience culminated in a psychotic break that forced her to cancel part of her Joanne world tour. This article explores Lady Gaga’s journey through mental health challenges, her recovery, and the importance of support systems in overcoming adversity.

Lady Gaga’s Mental Health Struggles During ‘A Star Is Born’

During the filming of *A Star Is Born*, Lady Gaga was taking lithium, a medication commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. Despite her outward success, the singer and actress was battling significant internal turmoil. Lithium, while effective for many, can have side effects and requires careful monitoring. For Lady Gaga, the stress of filming and touring while on this medication contributed to a severe psychotic break.

In her interview, she shared a poignant moment when her sister told her, “I don’t see my sister anymore,” highlighting how her mental health struggles affected not only herself but also her loved ones. The psychotic break occurred shortly after the completion of the film, which earned Gaga an Oscar for Best Original Song with “Shallow” and a Best Actress nomination. This juxtaposition of professional triumph and personal crisis underscores the complexity of mental health issues, especially in high-pressure environments.

The Impact on Her Joanne World Tour and Career

Following the filming of *A Star Is Born*, Lady Gaga embarked on her Joanne world tour in August 2017. However, the tour was cut short in February 2018 due to her deteriorating mental health and chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia. The cancellation of the European leg of the tour was a difficult decision, but one that was necessary for her well-being.

Gaga described the period as a time when she “completely crashed” and needed psychiatric care. She admitted to feeling scared and uncertain about her recovery, stating, “There was a time where I didn’t think I could get better.” This honest admission from a global superstar helps to destigmatize mental illness and encourages others to seek help when needed.

Despite these challenges, Lady Gaga’s resilience shone through. She credits her recovery to a strong support system, including her fiancé, entrepreneur Michael Polansky. She emphasized the importance of being loved for her authentic self, saying, “Being in love with someone that cares about the real me made a very big difference.” This support was crucial in helping her regain her health and confidence.

Lady Gaga’s Road to Recovery and Current Success

Today, Lady Gaga considers herself a “healthy, whole person” and feels fortunate to be alive. Her journey through mental health struggles has inspired many fans and advocates for greater awareness and understanding of psychiatric conditions.

Her latest album, *Mayhem*, reflects her personal growth and the “crazy” journey she undertook to rediscover herself. The project has earned her seven Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, showcasing her continued artistic excellence.

Lady Gaga’s openness about her experiences with lithium, psychotic breaks, and chronic pain highlights the importance of mental health care and the power of vulnerability. By sharing her story, she encourages others to seek help and reminds us that recovery is possible, even in the face of severe challenges.

Conclusion

Lady Gaga’s revelation about filming *A Star Is Born* on lithium and experiencing a psychotic break offers a powerful insight into the realities of mental health struggles, even for those at the pinnacle of success. Her story is a testament to the importance of seeking help, having a strong support network, and embracing vulnerability. If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, remember that you are not alone, and recovery is within reach. Stay informed, seek support, and prioritize your well-being. For more inspiring stories and mental health resources, subscribe to our newsletter and join the conversation today.