Content Warning: This article references trauma response, depression and self-harm.
Lady Gaga has opened up during an incredibly intimate conversation with Oprah.
During the wide-ranging interview, Gaga addressed her love for her LGBTIQ+ fans, her mission to spread kindness, and her experiences with mental health.
When asked about championing authenticity in her LGBTIQ+ fans, Gaga was quick to encourage people struggling with their identity to be kind to themselves, even if they feel stuck in their "false lives".
"You know, it’s very easy to say to someone, 'Be brave,' but it’s not so easy to practice," she reflected in Oprah’s Super Soul podcast interview, reported by .
"I mean, if you feel shame for who you are, and you don’t feel supported by people around you, you’re afraid. Shame is powerful. But give yourself time. Allow yourself to take little bites every day."
She added: "That’s what I would say: Take little bites of bravery. I wouldn’t say it’s a false life. I would say that’s a reality, and that reality can change."
Later on in the interview, Gaga shared the depths of her own struggles with mental health, admitting to Oprah that she once self-harmed.
"I’ve actually not opened up very much about this, but I think it’s an important thing for people to know and hear: I was a cutter for a long time, and the only way that I was able to stop cutting and self-harming myself was to realise that what I was doing was trying to show people that I was in pain instead of telling them and asking for help."
She continued: "When I realised that telling someone, 'Hey, I am having an urge to hurt myself,' that defused it. I then had someone next to me saying, 'You don’t have to show me. Just tell me: What are you feeling right now?' And then I could just tell my story."
"I say that with a lot of humility and strength," she added. "I’m very grateful that I don’t do it anymore, and I wish to not glamorise it.
"One thing that I would suggest to people who struggle with trauma response or self-harm issues or suicidal ideation is actually ice. If you put your hands in a bowl of ice-cold water, it shocks the nervous system, and it brings you back to reality."
Lady Gaga has been a longtime advocate for mental health, to address the challenges of living with anxiety and depression - telling viewers not to "look away" when they notice that someone is struggling. She has also been a fierce and vocal supporter of members of the LGBTIQ+ community, as an opportunity to remind fans of the importance of using correct pronous for trans and gender non-binary people.
Those seeking support can contact on 13 11 14, the on 1300 659 467, or in an emergency dial 000.
Contact on 1800 184 527 (between 3pm and 12am) and on 1800 55 1800. More information about mental health is available at .
