Lady Gaga Reveals Lithium Use, Psychotic Break After “A Star Is Born”

Lady Gaga has shared a deeply personal mental health struggle. The singer detailed her use of lithium and a subsequent psychotic break. She made the revelation in a cover story for Rolling Stone magazine.

The events occurred around her work on the 2018 film. This period was immensely successful yet privately tumultuous for the artist. Her openness provides a raw look at the pressures of fame.

A Private Struggle Amid Public Success

According to Rolling Stone, Gaga was prescribed lithium during filming. The medication is used to treat and prevent manic episodes. She was balancing the Oscar-nominated role with immense career demands.

This included headlining the Super Bowl and a world tour. Her sister noticed a profound change in her, Gaga recalled. The singer then canceled her tour and sought psychiatric hospital care.

She described a complete crash that was “really scary.” Gaga stated she once felt she might not get better. The artist now feels lucky to be alive, acknowledging the serious potential outcomes.

Finding Health and Navigating New Challenges

Gaga credits her fiancé, Michael Polansky, for supporting her recovery. She says being loved for her real self made a big difference. The singer now describes herself as a healthy, whole person.

She later faced the critical and commercial disappointment of “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The film opened well below expectations in 2024. It received a rare poor audience score and heavy criticism.

Gaga initially laughed at the “unhinged” negativity, she told the magazine. The prolonged criticism became more painful, however. She channeled that energy into her “Disease” music video for her new era.

Lady Gaga’s candid discussion helps destigmatize complex mental health journeys. Her story highlights the stark contrast between public persona and private reality.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was Lady Gaga on lithium?

She was prescribed the medication to treat and prevent episodes of mania. This occurred during the filming of “A Star Is Born.” It is a common treatment for certain mood disorders.

What happened after the *Joanne* world tour?

Gaga experienced what she described as a psychotic break. She canceled the tour and entered a hospital for psychiatric care. She has said the experience was terrifying and overwhelming.

How is Lady Gaga’s mental health now?

She describes herself as a healthy and whole person today. She credits a strong support system and love for her recovery. Gaga feels fortunate to have moved past that difficult period.

How did she react to the *Joker 2* criticism?

Gaga said her first reaction was to laugh at the “unhinged” negativity. She acknowledged the prolonged criticism was more painful. She used those feelings as fuel for her “Disease” music video.

What is Gaga’s next career focus?

She is entering a new musical era with her album “Mayhem.” The album and single “Abracadabra” earned multiple 2026 Grammy nominations. She is the second-most-nominated artist for the upcoming ceremony.