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Lady Gaga Battled Psychosis, Lithium Use During 'A Star Is Born' Filming
13 Nov
Summary
- Gaga used lithium to treat mania during 'A Star Is Born' filming
- Experienced psychotic break after tour, sister said "I don't see my sister anymore"
- Gaga found love with fiancé Michael Polansky, now a "healthy, whole person"
In November 2025, Lady Gaga candidly discussed her mental health challenges during the filming of the Oscar-nominated film 'A Star Is Born' and the aftermath of her Joanne world tour. Gaga revealed that she used the drug lithium to treat and prevent episodes of mania while working on the movie.
After the film wrapped, Gaga embarked on the Joanne tour, where she experienced what she described as a "psychotic break." Gaga's sister told her, "I don't see my sister anymore," prompting Gaga to cancel the tour and seek psychiatric care. The singer said there was a time when she didn't think she could recover, but she now feels "really lucky to be alive."
In the years since, Gaga has found love with her fiancé, Michael Polansky, which she says "made a very big difference" in her life. Now, Gaga considers herself a "healthy, whole person." However, she faced another setback in 2024 when her film 'Joker: Folie à Deux' bombed at the box office, though she channeled the negativity into her music.
Despite the challenges, Gaga is poised for a strong comeback, with her album 'Mayhem' earning seven Grammy nominations for the 2026 ceremony, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year.
