Lady Gaga Says She Took Lithium While Filming ‘A Star Is Born’ Role
Lady Gaga Opens Up About Taking Lithium During ‘A Star Is Born’
In a heartfelt interview featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, Lady Gaga, the multi-talented singer and actress, made a surprising revelation about her mental health during the production of the 2018 film, *A Star Is Born*. The 39-year-old superstar disclosed that she was taking lithium, a mood-stabilizing drug, throughout the filming process. This candid admission marks one of the first times Gaga has spoken publicly about her use of psychiatric medication, though she has not shared any specific diagnosis.
Lithium is commonly prescribed to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, helping to stabilize mood swings and reduce episodes of mania or depression. Gaga’s openness about using lithium during such a critical phase in her career highlights the often unseen struggles many artists face behind the scenes.
The Impact of Lithium on Gaga’s Career and Personal Life
While *A Star Is Born* was not Lady Gaga’s first acting role, it was her first leading role in a major feature film, catapulting her into a new realm of stardom. The movie was a commercial and critical success, earning Gaga an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and winning the Oscar for Best Original Song with the hit “Shallow.”
During the film’s production and subsequent promotion, Gaga was also on her Joanne World Tour. However, in February 2018, she abruptly canceled the remaining tour dates, later revealing that she sought psychiatric care. She described a period of intense emotional difficulty, saying, “There was one day that my sister said to me, ‘I don’t see my sister anymore.’ And I canceled the tour. There was one day I went to the hospital for psychiatric care. I needed to take a break. I couldn’t do anything. … I completely crashed. It was really scary.”
This period of vulnerability and recovery was a turning point for Gaga. She admitted that there were moments when she doubted her ability to get better but expressed gratitude for her survival and ongoing healing journey.
Support and Healing: Gaga’s Journey Beyond Lithium
Following this challenging time, Lady Gaga met her fiancé, Michael Polansky, whose support played a crucial role in her recovery. She shared that “being in love with someone that cares about that real me made a very big difference” in her healing process. Their relationship blossomed, and they went public on social media in early 2020, marking a new chapter in Gaga’s personal life.
In addition to her mental health journey, Gaga continued to excel professionally. She released her seventh studio album, *Mayhem*, in March 2025, embarking on the corresponding Mayhem Ball tour. Polansky even helped executive produce the album, which received seven Grammy Award nominations, underscoring Gaga’s resilience and creative vitality.
Conclusion
Lady Gaga’s revelation about taking lithium during the filming of *A Star Is Born* offers a powerful reminder that even the most successful and talented individuals face mental health challenges. Her openness helps destigmatize psychiatric treatment and encourages others to seek help when needed. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, remember that support is available, and recovery is possible. Stay informed and inspired by following Lady Gaga’s journey and advocating for mental wellness. For more updates on celebrity news and mental health awareness, subscribe to our newsletter today!
