Pop icon Lady Gaga has once again captured global attention — but this time, it's not just her music making headlines. In a recent podcast appearance on The Interview by The New York Times, the award-winning singer and actress opened up about her ongoing battle with mental health, revealing she experienced a severe episode of psychosis before finally finding her way back to reality. The Bad Romance singer also spoke candidly about how her new album Mayhem has been deeply influenced by her personal struggles.
Lady Gaga Reflects On Her Psychosis Experience
During the podcast interview, Lady Gaga spoke emotionally about a phase in her life where she experienced a complete detachment from reality, a condition medically known as psychosis. She disclosed that this challenging period kept her away from the music industry for a significant time. The singer admitted, "[Five years ago], I had psychosis. I was not deeply in touch with reality for a while. It took me out of life in a big way, and after a lot of years of hard work I got myself back."
Her confession shed light on the internal battle she fought, causing a shift in her life and career. Gaga expressed that recovering from psychosis took immense effort and patience, but eventually, she managed to regain control of her mental health. Her revelation has sparked an important conversation about mental health and its impact on one's professional and personal life.
Meeting Her Partner During Recovery
Lady Gaga also revealed that she met her now-fiancé, Michael Polansky, during a crucial phase of her recovery. She explained how his presence played a significant role in helping her find stability and happiness again.
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The singer shared, "It was actually really special when I met my partner because when I met Michael, I was in a much better place, but I remember him saying to me, pretty early on, 'I know you could be a lot happier than you are.'"
Initially, Gaga found it hard to accept his perspective because she did not want him to see her as someone who was struggling internally. She confessed that she desired to appear as a strong and put-together person but eventually realised that vulnerability was essential in her healing process.
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The Struggles of Opening Up About Mental Health
Lady Gaga has always been an advocate for mental health awareness, but she admitted that it was not easy for her to publicly address her battle with psychosis. She revealed during the interview that despite being in a much better space now, she still struggles with the stigma surrounding mental health.
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She explained, "It’s something that I have found increasingly harder to talk about. I hate feeling defined by it. It felt like something I felt ashamed of. But I don’t think that we should feel ashamed if we go through times like that. I mostly just wish to say, it can get better. It did for me, and I’m grateful for that."
The Shallow hitmaker emphasised how crucial it is to normalise conversations around mental health, as it can empower others facing similar battles to seek help and support without feeling ashamed.
Her New Album 'Mayhem' Inspired By Her Struggles
Lady Gaga also shared that her forthcoming album Mayhem is deeply influenced by her experiences of battling psychosis. She stated that the album reflects not only the pain and chaos she endured but also her journey toward healing and strength.
She expressed her hope that her fans, especially those going through mental health challenges, find solace in her music. Gaga believes that art has the power to heal, and she wants Mayhem to be a testament to that belief.
The pop star also acknowledged the support and love she received from her fiancé throughout her recovery, calling him a blessing during one of the toughest times of her life.
Why Gaga's Story Matters
Lady Gaga's decision to speak publicly about her battle with psychosis has resonated with millions of fans worldwide. Her story sheds light on the importance of mental health care, eliminating stigma, and the necessity of strong support systems for individuals battling mental health conditions.
As the world eagerly anticipates the release of Mayhem, Gaga's openness serves as a reminder that behind the fame and glamour, public figures too face their own set of challenges. Her powerful story inspires many to prioritize their mental health and to seek help without fear or shame.
With her new album just around the corner, fans are not only looking forward to her music but also celebrating the resilience she has demonstrated throughout her journey. Lady Gaga’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and her voice continues to empower millions worldwide.