Lady Gaga has always been known for her fearless artistry and bold personality, but in a recent interview with The New York Times podcast, The Interview, she revealed a deeply personal struggle that shocked and moved fans worldwide. For the first time, the singer openly addressed her experience with psychosis, a condition she battled five years ago that significantly impacted her life.
During the conversation, Gaga shared that she had gone through a severe episode where she lost touch with reality. The journey was incredibly difficult, but after years of hard work and healing, she managed to find her way back. This revelation sheds new light on her resilience and the inner battles she has faced behind the scenes.
“I Had Psychosis”: What Lady Gaga Said About Her Mental Health
For Lady Gaga, speaking publicly about her mental health has been a complicated and emotional process. She admitted that she has struggled with feeling defined by her diagnosis and even felt ashamed of it at times. However, she chose to share her story in the hope that it might help others who are facing similar challenges.
“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,” she revealed.
Her recovery was not only a journey of self-healing but also a period of transformation. During this time, she met her fiancé, Michael Polansky, who played a significant role in her life as she worked towards emotional stability.
“It was a hard time, and 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.’”
At first, hearing those words was painful for Gaga, as she wanted to appear as a happy and put-together person. But in hindsight, she acknowledges the importance of facing her emotions and allowing herself to grow.
“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.”
What Is Psychosis and How Can It Be Managed?
Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, and perception of reality. Individuals experiencing psychosis may have hallucinations, delusions, or difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. It is often linked to mental health disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, but it can also be triggered by trauma, stress, or substance use.
So Gaga just said in this podcast that she had PSYCHOSIS before she met Michael and no one is talking about it ???? pic.twitter.com/kpP3Bl0Vqh
— VIⱯNK (@2chromatica) March 9, 2025
Managing psychosis typically involves a combination of professional treatment and lifestyle adjustments, including:
- Therapy and Medication: Antipsychotic medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are common approaches to managing symptoms.
- Support Systems: Having a strong support network of family, friends, and mental health professionals is crucial.
- Stress Management: Reducing stress through mindfulness, meditation, and a structured routine can help maintain stability.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep contribute to overall mental well-being.
Lady Gaga’s journey is a reminder that healing is possible, and mental health challenges do not define a person. By sharing her experience, she not only breaks the stigma around psychosis but also offers hope to those who may be struggling. Her message is clear: with time, support, and self-care, things can get better.