(Photo Credits: Fred Duval from Shutterstock)
Lady Gaga has recently opened up about her struggle with psychosis, coinciding with the release of her seventh studio album, Mayhem. In a candid interview on a New York Times podcast, Gaga revealed that five years ago, she experienced a period where she was “not deeply in touch with reality,” which significantly impacted her life. “[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,” Gaga revealed.
She emphasized the importance of acknowledging such challenges, stating, “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.”
During this challenging period, Gaga met her now-fiancé, Michael Polansky, who played a pivotal role in her recovery. She shared how Polansky said right at the outset, ‘I know you could be a lot happier than you are,’ and supported her journey towards healing. Gaga expressed, “It was really hard for me to hear him say that because I didn’t want him to think that of me. I wanted him to think I was like this happy, totally together person.”
Polansky’s influence extended beyond her personal life into her music career. He encouraged Gaga to return to pop music, leading to the creation of Mayhem. The album, released on March 7, marks a departure from her previous work, embracing a more experimental and eclectic sound. Collaborations with artists like Gesaffelstein and Bruno Mars contribute to its diverse musical landscape. Notable tracks include the catchy dark electro pop Disease, the disco-inspired Zombieboy, and the powerful duet Die With a Smile featuring Bruno Mars.
Critics have praised Mayhem for its bold approach and Gaga’s return to a more authentic sound. The album blends industrial dance elements with ’80s funk and grunge, showcasing Gaga’s versatility as an artist, says Pitchfork. Her dramatic vocals and the album’s curated chaos have been highlighted as standout features, signaling a rejuvenation of her music.
Meanwhile, Gaga’s openness about her mental health struggles and the support she received from Polansky have resonated with fans worldwide. Her journey serves as a reminder that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a sign of strength. For those facing similar challenges, resources are available. See below:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) – Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat at thetrevorproject.org
- Trans Lifeline (Run by and for trans people) – Call 877-565-8860
- LGBT National Help Center – Call 888-843-4564
International LGBTQ+ Crisis Hotlines:
- Canada: Talk Suicide Canada – Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
- UK: Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – Call 0300 330 0630
- Australia: QLife – Call 1800 184 527 or chat at qlife.org.au
- Philippines – 📞1553 📞180018881553 📞09190571553 📞09178998727 or
- International LGBTQ+ Support: ILGA World provides global LGBTQ+ resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for support. You’re not alone.
As Gaga continues to promote Mayhem, her story of resilience and artistic evolution inspires many, reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness and the transformative power of music.
Happy viewing!
Private Faces in Public Places?
why is she still around
because there is still money to be made. she still has some commerciality left. so as long as profitability is possible so will she remain
Perhaps that explains her psychosis: she’s reduced her life to profit…between her obvious unquenchable lust for wealth and her ostentatious and obtrusive costumes and masks, it’s hard to believe she knows who she is. Even when she is in plain sight, she is always hiding. She distorts her own reality field.
15 years ago I liked some of her music, but I haven’t heard anything she’s done since and I don’t care to. Like others said, she became political and that killed her music for me.
. . . Just because she’s an artist, doesn’t mean she has nothing to say about the politics running her life, she’s a woman, of child baring years. . . let’s just start with that, for starters, ok, thanks! Regardless, of anyone feels about her politics, she’s allowed that.
no one is questioning her right to espouse her political beliefs. What is being questioned is her continued relevance and her messages in her music
This was misdirected; this was for “Eddie” he said “too political.”
God might have something to do with it?
She was ok when she first became popular. I really liked her first album. But she’s gone downhill since. Every new song is worse than the one before. Totally unlistenable now. And too political.
agreed! She has now become “Madonna-like” with her political views and trying to remain valid through reinvention.
I don’t have a problem with her politics; like Republicans, then, “she has an unquenchable lust for wealth” huh, go figure!
“I really liked her first album.” YES! me too! i miss the work she did on “The Fame”, especially her first two hits, “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”, those were her musical GEMS, honey! ♥
Performers may seem invincible, but they are sensitive creatures, perhaps easily hurt.
agreee! Afterall, they are humans like us.
This revelation answers why I always found her “disconnected”. When she spoke, it was like she was somewhere else and not completely present in the conversation. I couldn’t connect with her feelings and, therefore, found little to enjoy in her music. Wishing her the best in her recovery.
Heard today that she wishes to write a musical for Broadway, one that she could star in. She said all she needs do is find an important message to write about.