Lady Gaga Opens Up About Psychotic Break During ‘A Star Is Born’

Pop icon Lady Gaga shared intimate details about her mental health challenges in a recent Rolling Stone cover story, revealing that she suffered a psychotic break while filming A Star Is Born. The 39-year-old singer explained she was on lithium during this period and struggled to manage the pressure of back-to-back career milestones. The crisis coincided with the cancellation of the European leg of her Joanne world tour and preceded high-profile events, including her Super Bowl LI headlining performance. Gaga now considers herself “a healthy, whole person” and credits her fiancé, Michael Polansky, and her support network for aiding her recovery.

Timeline of Career and Health Challenges

Lady Gaga filmed A Star Is Born, earning critical acclaim, an Oscar for Best Original Song for Shallow, and a Best Actress nomination, while she was taking lithium. The psychotic break occurred during her 2017–2018 Joanne world tour, which ultimately had to be canceled due to severe fibromyalgia-related pain and mental health issues. She described a moment where her sister said, “I don’t see my sister anymore,” highlighting the severity of her struggle.

The singer continued to navigate high-pressure performances, including her Super Bowl LI halftime show in Houston, before finally seeking psychiatric care. Gaga admitted to Rolling Stone, “I completely crashed. It was really scary. There was a time where I didn’t think I could get better.”

Lady Gaga’s Reflections on Recovery

Gaga credits her recovery to therapy, a strong support system, and the love of her fiancé, Michael Polansky. She said, “Being in love with someone that cares about the real me made a very big difference.” She emphasized personal growth, stating, “I feel really lucky to be alive. I know that might sound dramatic, but we know how this can go.”

She also reflected on self-discovery and honesty in relationships. “How do you learn how to be yourself with someone when you don’t know how to be yourself with anyone?” Gaga asked, noting the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life during a tumultuous period.

Impact on Career and Music

Despite these challenges, Lady Gaga’s career continued to thrive. She won multiple awards and maintained her presence as a global pop icon. Her latest album, Mayhem, explores her journey of rediscovery, resilience, and healing, earning seven 2026 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Gaga credits her music as a therapeutic outlet, saying her track Always Time helped her reflect on mistakes and personal growth.

Analysts note that Gaga’s openness about mental health adds a new layer to her public persona, showing fans the human side of fame. Her story emphasizes the need for mental health awareness in high-pressure industries like music and entertainment.

What’s Next

Lady Gaga is expected to continue promoting Mayhem and performing at major venues while advocating for mental health awareness. Fans can anticipate live performances, interviews, and appearances where she will likely discuss her personal journey and creative process. Her experience demonstrates resilience and offers a roadmap for managing mental health while maintaining a demanding career.

Sources

• Rolling Stone: Lady Gaga Interview, November 2025

• USA TODAY: Lady Gaga Psychotic Break Coverage

• ABC News: Joanne Tour Cancellation

• Getty Images / Anthony Robledo