Lady Gaga has opened up about her mental health struggles in a powerful short feature film, The Power of Kindness, admitting that she has struggled with self-harm since she was a child.
EXCLUSIVE: Lady Gaga's mother Cynthia Germanotta: 'Why it's cool to be kind'
The House of Gucci star spoke about her inner battles in the film released by Born This Way Foundation, where she was joined by 11 young inspirational people for the day ahead of World Kindness Day on Saturday 13 November. The group took it in turns to discuss what kindness to themselves and others means, and what they can do when their emotions overwhelm them.
"I have struggled with self-harm since I was about 11 years old," Lady Gaga shared. "And on days when it's really hard to be kind to myself, I turn to behaviour and skills.
WATCH: Lady Gaga stars in The Power of Kindness
"Some days waking up and just making sure I brush my teeth, I get in the shower, I brush my hair, I put my clothes on and I'm really conscious and aware of one sock at a time – if it's two different socks, I make myself find the right sock… meaning that I can't always get my head to love me, but I can behave my way into loving me."
READ: Lady Gaga featured in HELLO!'s 2021 Kind List
READ: Princess Eugenie makes personal plea to be kinder to the ocean
The Shallow singer added: "I just wanted to share that with you because I feel like it's really unfair for you to all be this vulnerable and this real, and for me to sit here and ask questions and not tell the truth. So that's my truth."
"I have struggled with self-harm since I was about 11 years old," Lady Gaga shared
In the film, participants spoke about their own mental health journeys, and the strong relationship between kindness and mental health. They were also joined by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a psychologist and scientist who works with diverse groups of people to achieve mental health.
See HELLO!'s 2021 Kind List here
Lady Gaga began the session by declaring it was a "safe space" for everyone to share. "I'm not a therapist, I'm not a doctor, I'm not a mental health authority," she said. "I just want you to know you have a friend in me up here. I am, I have been, and I always will be on a mental health journey. It's important to me that I honour my journey, and that I honour the journey and stories of others.
"In terms of mental health, I think kindness is essential. I would like you to view me as a participant in all this. I'm here with you."
The singer was joined by 11 inspiring young people
Earlier this spring, Born This Way Foundation conducted a survey of over two thousand 13 to 24-year-olds that revealed the ways kindness contributes to many aspects of mental wellness, from helping young people feel safe, confident, and less alone to changing the trajectory of their day and even their desire to stay alive.
READ: Prince William 'genuinely passionate' to help young people
"Our stories matter, and the kindness we share with our own selves, our loved ones and our community, will not only make someone smile, but truly have the potential to save lives," Lady Gaga concluded.
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