Actor-singer Lady Gaga recently revealed that she experienced psychosis five years ago, a period that left her disconnected from reality. Speaking on The Interview podcast by The New York Times, the 38-year-old artist reflected on her mental health journey and how she eventually reclaimed her life.
"It took me away from life in a big way, and after many years of hard work, I got myself back," she shared. While the experience was deeply challenging, she also spoke about a "special" moment that emerged from that difficult time—meeting her now-fiancé, Michael Polansky.
The Poker Face singer recalled that when they first met, she was already in a much better place mentally. However, Michael’s words struck a chord with her early in their relationship. "I remember him saying to me, 'I know you could be a lot happier than you are,'" she said. Initially, hearing that was difficult. "I didn't want him to think that of me. I wanted him to see me as this happy, totally put-together person," she admitted.
Despite her initial reaction, she grew to appreciate Michael’s warmth and kindness. "From the moment I met Michael, he had one of the warmest and kindest dispositions of anyone I had ever met in my whole life," she said, acknowledging his positive influence on her.
Though she has spoken openly about mental health before, Gaga admitted that discussing her struggles has become increasingly difficult. "I hate feeling defined by it. It felt like something I was ashamed of. But I don’t think we should feel ashamed for going through times like that," she explained.
Having recently released her seventh studio album, the award-winning singer hopes her story can offer encouragement to others. "It can get better. It did for me, and I’m grateful for that," she concluded.