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Lady Gaga Opens Up About Mental Health and Her Experience on Star Is Born

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 15:59 GMT by TheHealthSite

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Lady Gaga Opens Up About Mental Health and Her Experience on “Star Is Born”

In a candid interview that has resonated with millions of fans, pop icon Lady Gaga—whose real name is Stefani Germanotta—shared new details about her ongoing battle with mental illness. The singer‑songwriter, who has long been an outspoken advocate for mental‑health awareness, revealed that she was on lithium medication while filming the 2018 musical drama Star Is Born, a role that has become one of her most beloved. The conversation, published on The Health Site and linked to a number of supporting resources, offers a comprehensive look at how Gaga’s psychiatric treatment intersected with her career, the pressures of stardom, and the broader cultural conversation about mental health in Hollywood.

The Context: Star Is Born and the Pressure of the Spotlight

The article opens by setting the scene: Star Is Born (2018) brought Gaga back to the silver screen after a decade‑long hiatus, co‑starring with Bradley Cooper, who also produced the film. In the movie, Gaga plays Ally, a seasoned pop star who mentors a rising country‑music hopeful, played by Cooper. While the film achieved both critical acclaim and box‑office success, the behind‑the‑scenes reality was far from glamorous.

Gaga’s interview touches on the demanding schedule, the emotional intensity of her character’s storyline, and the personal toll that the production took on her. She noted that the creative process required her to channel feelings that were often “deep, heavy, and hard to keep to herself.” In an interview with The Health Site, she explained that these pressures intensified her pre‑existing anxiety and depressive symptoms—issues that she had been grappling with since the early days of her career.

The Role of Lithium in Gaga’s Mental‑Health Management

Central to the discussion is Gaga’s use of lithium—a mood stabilizer that has been a mainstay treatment for bipolar disorder for decades. The article explains that while she has never been officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she has self‑identified as a “bipolar 2” patient and has used lithium to manage the more subtle mood swings that come with the condition.

Gaga elaborated that her doctor recommended the medication early in her career when she started experiencing “severe panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and insomnia.” The drug’s role was to help regulate her neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine and serotonin, thereby reducing the intensity of her manic and depressive episodes. According to her own words, “Lithium was the only thing that kept me from the worst of the roller‑coaster.”

The article cites medical sources that explain how lithium works: by inhibiting the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and modulating neuronal excitability. While it is often associated with a strict monitoring regimen—regular blood tests to keep the drug in the therapeutic range—Gaga says she has remained compliant with the monitoring protocols, a point she emphasizes to encourage fans who might be skeptical about psychiatric medication.

The Intersection of Art and Therapy

Gaga’s narrative goes beyond a simple endorsement of medication. She framed the creative work she did for Star Is Born as a therapeutic outlet. While portraying Ally’s emotional decline, she said, “I was constantly reminded of my own fragility, which actually helped me open up to my own feelings instead of bottling them up.” She acknowledges that the role demanded that she draw from her own experiences with anxiety and depression—a dual process that, for her, became both cathartic and frightening.

The interview also referenced an article on The Health Site that discusses how acting can serve as a form of exposure therapy. For people with anxiety disorders, confronting the “scary” parts of a character in a controlled environment can reduce avoidance behaviors. Gaga’s own experience, as described, was a clear illustration of the psychological benefits of art.

The Broader Conversation on Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry

The article weaves Gaga’s story into a larger discussion about mental‑health challenges faced by artists. It cites a few other prominent figures—such as Beyoncé, who disclosed her bipolar diagnosis on The Dr. Oz Show, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who has spoken openly about his depression—to underscore how common these issues are in high‑visibility careers.

Additionally, the piece links to a separate Health Site article about the prevalence of mental‑health disorders in the entertainment industry, citing statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Those figures reveal that performers are disproportionately prone to anxiety, mood disorders, and substance‑use disorders, often due to the unpredictable nature of the job and intense media scrutiny.

Practical Take‑aways for Fans

The article concludes with actionable advice for readers who might be dealing with similar struggles. Drawing from Gaga’s experience, the editors highlight:

1. Seek Professional Help – Whether it’s a psychiatrist for medication or a therapist for psychotherapy, professional guidance is essential.
2. Track Your Symptoms – Keep a daily log of mood swings, triggers, and medication side‑effects. This practice can help doctors fine‑tune treatment plans.
3. Create Safe Spaces – Engage in creative outlets—music, writing, painting—just as Gaga did.
4. Build a Support Network – Friends, family, and peer support groups can serve as lifelines during emotional lows.
5. Educate Yourself – Resources such as The Health Site and reputable medical organizations provide up‑to‑date information on medications, therapy modalities, and coping strategies.

The article emphasizes that while medication like lithium is not a “cure,” it can be an invaluable tool in managing symptoms and allowing people to reclaim agency over their lives. Gaga’s story, she writes, is proof that mental‑health challenges do not have to define a career; they can instead become a source of empathy, creativity, and resilience.

Bottom Line

Lady Gaga’s willingness to disclose that she was on lithium during the production of Star Is Born is a landmark moment for celebrity mental‑health advocacy. By framing her medication as a part of her creative process and a life‑sustaining tool, she humanizes a conversation that is often shrouded in stigma. The article on The Health Site does more than share personal anecdotes—it connects her experience to the broader mental‑health ecosystem, providing readers with context, resources, and encouragement. Whether you’re a fan or someone quietly struggling, Gaga’s story invites you to recognize that help exists, and that it’s possible to thrive even when mental‑health conditions loom large.