Lady Gaga’s mom on witnessing daughter’s "turn" in mental health

Lady Gaga's mother, Cynthia Germanotta, joins "CBS This Morning's" special "Stop the Stigma" broadcast to talk about the impact of mental illness on family and friends. Germanotta teamed up with her daughter to create the Born This Way Foundation. It works to educate people about mental and emotional wellness.
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[@sneakerlove5313]

Middle school is when it all goes down hill for kids sadly.

[@jimthecactus7425]

Honestly high school was much worse than middle school for me

[@AndySaenz]

The best me I was bullied horribly all throughout my childhood. It did not stop until I was 12 and finally stood up to all my bullies myself! I decided enough is enough. 💪🏼💪🏼 💥 All children need to be taught that they will have zero tolerance for being degraded, berated, etc. They also need to learn self defense.

[@ezrealxshsh5460]

@@AndySaenz Some people are just sensitive or shy like me, i never had the chance to stood out for myself and when entire class was against me i just gave up, now after years passed i pay the price and still have to fight over ocd, social anxiety and several depression periods.

[@ezrealxshsh5460]

@@AndySaenz I used to even want to commit suicide but yesterday i went to the graveyard and realised that i could be just laying there if i did that and im somehow looking forward in life. Sorry for wasting your time bro.

[@misspumpkinQueen1375]

Very very true. That when it happen to me.

[@robinhood6948]

Both Gaga and her mother are beautiful.

[@ChameleonSoul]

pablo suarez I agree

[@jumpforjoy6]

@@ChameleonSoul get a life

[@TheElloatmatt]

Money will do that to you

[@andthebanshees]

TheBluearmy33 stfu... she looks good especially for her age

[@STAATSLID]

Lady gaga is a man. Wwg1wga Q

[@foo681]

If a simple bone breaks we feel bad for the person but if the most complicated thing in their body breaks we shame them. Needs to change.

[@elizabethtimothy4776]

So true.

[@kevinparsley6806]

first of all what gagas mom is talking about isnt mental illness. thats having to get over not being popular and many people deal with that. now, a real mental illness, like schizophrenia, is not about shaming most of the time. someone w it. it is very difficult to console. because they believe things completely illogical that are often very painful to them. in addition to the pain as a consequence of the belief, their pain comes from knowing you dont think its logical. they cannot convince you what they believe is true. it is not from shaming. and the pain goes both ways.

[@daisygirl1217]

it sure does...I am judged all the time by my mental illness's, but I am starting to realize just how much misinformation is out there and how little people know about my specific illness. Gradually I am opening up and talking to more and more people because I am tired of the stigma. It's not my fault I am this way, the ones to be judged are the ones who made me this way.

[@RealMexFoodShouldntGiveUDrrhea]

I think I just tested up a bit.

[@christar9527]

Kevin Parsley No. It’s more than just not being popular. Being bullied or rejected can destroy someone’s confidence, send them into a depression or cause them to commit suicide. You’re uninformed.

[@iamdidi.]

This is SO important for parents in this generation to hear... Mental health is not something you should just "get over" just as you don't do that for physical health. It's so important to just LISTEN & VALIDATE

[@kso4068]

YES! thank you for this comment!!

[@lynnmarieanderson1744]

I wouldn't even want to be a parent in this day and age.

[@kso4068]

@@lynnmarieanderson1744 I'm definitely glad I'm not!

[@kevinparsley6806]

i would say listen and motivate. this coming from someone who was possibly less "popular" and bullied more than anyone you know. and it is something you get over. a high school or middle school is a small segment of all of society. if people are not like you in your school it is necessary to find people that are like you. when you find people that are like you the ones that arent dont matter. btw my past means i dont really care about getting likes. i lived it. i know what it took for me to overcome my past.

[@iamdidi.]

@@kevinparsley6806 Agree.. I think it is important even if you have no one to motivate you or feel comfortable sharing your struggles with someone, it is super important to realize deep down that what you're going through at that moment or that time period will not be like that forever. You have to find the courage to overcome it.

[@s.h.4241]

Could you imagine what Lady Gaga’s childhood bullies say now ?

[@michelleeaton6602]

S. H. The massive success of Lady Gaga would not cause her bullies to become healthy, functional people. It is likely they are jealous and critical of her.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

Michelle Eaton Very true, but her success is the best revenge. 😁

[@Dangerops69]

RAH RAH RA AH-AHHH ROMA ROMAMA-A

[@CatherineSTodd]

"Lady Gaga’s childhood bullies" probably tell everyone they were "best friends" with Gaga!

[@BeaVizcarra]

S. H. Yes sweet revenge

[@kayleyraemusic]

I met her mom at the first tour stop of the born this way bus tour they launched years ago. My youth center was contacted prior to the event requesting a handful of volunteers and I was chosen. It was an incredible experience. Her mom walked around chatting with volunteers and we had a great conversation. She was a totally genuine down to earth funny kind woman.

[@Ducky16]

I was in San Francisco for her Chromatica Ball tour and I walked past her and the main Be Kind team!

[@JohnBuckley1989]

Her mom seems really intelligent.

[@danielkeane6462]

Her daughter is a genius so I’d imagine your statement to hold truth behind it

[@LanceTheDriver]

As someone still dealing with trauma from being bullied throughout my youth, this interview is so on point. Important that parents especially see this.

[@mohdshow]

LanceTheDriver Same here 🥺 hugs ❤️

[@italok6577]

I know what it's like to deal with a hard past... You're so special... Don't let your past fight against your future❤

[@6InchTruth]

Same here, Lance. Hugs to you. 💖

[@bechuvi]

Your parents didn't help and protect you? If someone touch, hurt or treat my kids improperly I would react the way all mothers should!!!

[@bechuvi]

@first/m /last you also hurt your parents if you don't tell them... I would feel so much pain if I know my kid was suffering and I wasn't able to help her/him. As a son/daughter you have a responsibility in front of your parents as well, you are not alone.

[@LilliLamour]

Gaga’s mother is wonderful

[@KylinNicole11]

Lilli L'amour she truly is. She’s also down to earth and lovely to talk with.

[@LilliLamour]

Kylin Sheets She appears that way. But it goes to show why Gaga is such a wonderful woman here.

[@l3l3Cakes]

Isolation is a BIG warning sign. Humans are social beings, so if you see your teen isolating, find out what is wrong.

[@wynnie_margeaux]

I've loved Gaga since about 2008. She's such a beautiful person

[@Adeoca2]

Lady Gaga has a beautiful mother. She's so sounds so nice and sweet.

[@MikaMausArt]

She's as precious as her daughter. Thank you SO much Cynthia for all the work throughout the years with the BTW Foundation.

[@andrealuisecandido1154]

no idea who Lady Gags Mam is.

[@andrealuisecandido1154]

i only know ThaT i had a fale cousin her girl name was Eva She also haas a dsughTer wiTh girl namen STefanie born 1986 or 1987 i dont know ThaT exacTly

[@sazfretz1945]

They say living well is the best revenge. Cheers to Lady Gaga on sticking it to her childhood bullies and tormentors by channeling that pain into a healthy life and a successful career.

[@andreasleonlandgren3092]

Saz Fretz yeah!

[@mexiguayan]

Amen to that!

[@koreenalaw8644]

Lady Gaga and her mother are both gorgeous!

[@LoveLife-wy8gt]

She is a Class A mom ! I am glad that Lady Gaga was blessed to have her chosen to be her mom .

[@naye_naye5683]

What she said about parents going into help mode when their child struggles with mental illness is spot on! That's my current situation. It's hard. She a beautiful intelligent lady and raised a beautiful human being! I couldn't imagine a world without Lady Gaga... ❤️

[@lr2075]

I agree, my entire family suffered with mental trauma due to my Dad's alcoholism. I tried dealing with the guilt and pain on my own and it didn't work. I put my guilt, shame, pride and fears aside and got therapy and found out why i felt so helpless. I feel like a new person all over again. Please Find someone to talk to before its too late.

[@JediJuniper92]

I'm so glad you were able to get help and are doing better!! I had a similar upbringing (the alcoholic father) and I know it can be so hard and confusing.

[@a.k.4085]

Glad you made a wise choice and rose above. 👏👏👏🤗

[@christar9527]

Good for you. Some people don’t do that. They use substances too and they abuse others in turn. It becomes a vicious, unending cycle.

[@l.2147]

wow her mom is sooo beautiful

[@xpvaalxx9]

Her mother is the sweetest in person. I love her

[@Jessicadeborahworships]

YES. Encourage parents to talk about their own struggles and about how they've learnt and grown from them 👏🏻

[@edum.6353]

my grandmother is so smart, i love granny

[@allisonle8596]

She’s so smart and offered much more than mental health experts out there

[@15gilsonrd]

Everything she said was so on-point. I now see why her daughter has done so well-She has a wonderful, supportive Mom! 👍🏻💜

[@sobatmissqueen5558]

Yeah ... so jealous, i wish i could jave somebody like her when i was child

[@eleanorryanryan2442]

Gaga is Soooo lucky to have a great mother, strength to both 💖🍀🇮🇪

[@VanessaLennox]

Her mother is such a beautiful lady

[@mohdshow]

Such a classy queen!! Love you Mama Cynthia 🥺♥️

[@maocharlisme]

Wow! She really gets it! It's amazing how much she has learned from her daughter's and their family's struggles going by how focussed, sharply and concisely she hits all the important points and elements!

[@KCNwokoye]

Wow elegance, class and intelligence at the highest mixed with deep empathy and compassion.

[@Yellow-Rose]

Thank you to the Gaga family for this! This is a very much-needed conversation! Our mental health needs to be minded just like our physical health. Great sentiment Mama Gaga! ♥

[@thenutbrothers8726]

I like her mom ,very smart and caring person ,that's why Gaga speaks composed and with love to audience- this what she learned.

[@kdawson8981]

Thank you for doing this! I have a 19yr old daughter who was just diagnosed. It has been a struggle since she was about 14. I didn’t know the difference between normal teenager problems and where she is now. Risky teenage behavior is somewhat normal, now looking back, I should have really listened to what she was going through instead of trying to fix her problems for her. Mom “fix mode” is hard to separate from. We do it out of love and because we cherish our babies (yes even the 19yr old ones). Kids, please try to give your moms a break, not a broken heart.

[@livondiramerian5467]

Love, kindness, and support are essential.

[@mlpjbjformerlyreaper3149]

I love her and I love how she always gets back.up! She was judged and critics tore her apart and she showed them her staying power and her beautiful voice, heart, and soul. Her mother is lovely. No one can say anything about Gaga negative and it have any meaning! We all know her talent, bravery, courage, advocacy efforts. She's one of a kind and I'm forever grateful she has been part of my generation. I couldn't think of missing out on her music!!!

[@thestar8404]

♥️ Gaga’s mother is so nice and just shows how supportive she is 💖

[@michaelpondo6324]

I was bullied as a child and glad that this made me a champion for those who are the least of these. This turned out to be a blessing.

[@MyPoetik]

My dad got stuck when I told him I got suicidal thoughts after having talk to one teacher in senior high school bit he save my life as my teacher did too

[@MsDusty7771]

my son was just hospitalize Monday ,he had a break down while he was a patient at hospital he was body slam and his collar bone was broke,he hated himself and trying to hurt himself,this came from his father hurting him way back..It is hard ,l spend so much time crying ..l love him ,l will never give up on him.

[@thirstonhowellthebird]

What a great message. In many families they shame you, ignore you, gossip about you, make fun of you and then ostracize you. It’s really sad.

[@HawkinaBox]

I'm so glad I discovered her back in 2010 and stuck by her until this day. She really is so positive.

[@RT-vw6yw]

I especially love the tip about showing some vulnerability yourself when trying to help someone else. For me personally, I am always more willing to open up to someone who has willingly shown me their imperfections than I am with someone who pretends to have it together all the time.

[@pgpc6448]

This is so comforting as a parent in the early 90’s I too had this helpless feeling watching my child hurting without resources.

[@Psychotechmusichead]

I met Cynthia and she is so sweet

[@heidil.4651]

Such a classy lady

[@janeholland8460]

Another time when Gail ( and now Anthony) try to complete the guests sentences! Please stop, be respectful, and let the guest speak. The focus should be on the guest. Gail, you should know better by now. I don’t remember Oprah doing this. The reason she is so successful is she let her guests talk. Stop trying to hurry the guest along and listening to the young and/or rude producers who’s trying to get the story completed in so many many minutes. This lady is eloquent and knows exactly what she wants to say.

[@AJManol]

Jane Holland Agreed! But I think both the hosts are guilty of this. It may be just how the show runners want it to flow 😣

[@Sunshine-kn6or]

I agree

[@MeimeiLovesmusic]

Gail is terrible! She bullies her guests if she doesn’t like what they say!

[@cxaxukluth5407]

Stefani is a good person. Her and her mother are such honest, seemingly kind and understanding people. What perfect people to be in the spotlight.

[@danihalling9734]

What a breathtaking woman.. inside and out 💖✨

[@Dillonkhola]

Oh my god, her mom is gorgeous

[@johnpendell9042]

I literally hate being so cheesy or whatever but this woman is truly an inspiration. Imagine how mind blowing it would be to be her... Changing perspectives, lives. I feel I can do that on a small level. Hug your friend today.

[@sarahbowen7939]

Beautiful individuals whom I have never met but adore! I was bullied as a teenager and not having the discussion with family or friends made it very hard to manage. Being the same age as Gaga, it was very very hard growing up when it wasn’t something that was actively discussed in the media etc. Always taking it very personal and not having that community support to tell me I was not an outcast. So very grateful that today’s teens and anyone that deals with bullying have role models like Gaga and her mother to bring these things to light.

[@christar9527]

Sarah Bowen Yes. I’m so happy that today’s youth have help with this. I’m 60 and faced a lifetime of extreme mental pain and no life whatsoever. I’m just finding myself now. Good luck to you.

[@roboravitz5572]

Her daughter will look like her as she ages .She is attractive, So Lady Gaga is very fortunate to keep her beauty later in life

[@trailertrish]

She is SO beautiful. 😳❤

[@michaelbaram42]

God bless the work she and Gaga are doing, Cynthia reminds me so much of my mother. Mental Illness can be the worst thing to happen to a family but we can also come out the other side stronger and much more understanding of each other. I’ve been moved by The Born This Way Foundation’s work for years now and I’m so happy they are still seeing mental health as such a top priority in people’s lives. ❤️

[@LinceeSeguridad]

Gaga i love you forever❤

[@desireekidd6764]

Middle school is the worst and its when kids are at their meanest. The bullying can be relentless. I noticed usually towards high school once that akward phases started to settle down and kind become more mature the bullying goes away. Not for everyone but mostly everyone gets along around junior year or senior year.

[@susiepoo51]

Stephanie is blessed to have her natural born talent so she could express herself through her music. Many are bullied, but don’t know how to hide it...or work through it.

[@Hedoneo0]

you can see lady gaga;s mama loves her

[@rccraft5900]

I was bullied in the 6th through 8th grade and then fought back,then we had to move and the same crap happened to the point i just stopped going to school,i am now 47 and am so messed up in the head i am on disability for mental health issues and never thought about if it could be from being bullied so much when i was a kid.

[@veggiebea]

Dcbrix 🙏💜

[@lynnmarieanderson1744]

I have bipolar disorder myself, and I'm 49. Don't give up hope, a job is not who you are as a person. Stay strong. I consider it a miracle that I'm not dead yet.

[@Andrea-xs4ny]

Dcbrix - I hope that you have a licensed therapist to talk to. If you feel s/he isn't helping, try another one. There are some great ones out there, but the less effective ones are more common than they should be. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. I had a crappy childhood and have forgiven those who hurt me. It's a necessary step for you to get better. Do something every day that makes you feel good. Watch funny videos or a funny movie, put on some great music and dance, borrow a friend's dog (if you don't have one) and take it for a walk, learn a new hobby or pick up an old one, etc. I hope you feel better soon, Dcbrix! 🤗

[@DrewRueDoo]

These comments I’m reading are the reasons why there is a foundation like Born This Way....

[@kso4068]

I completely agree!!

[@jenniferhaynes8625]

It is a beautiful thing that with everything that she's going through,she has been blessed to live a beautiful life.

[@wendyhaase4401]

It's nice to see somebody that's willing to put there life out there the hopefully try and help other people

[@Jerricette]

Lady Gaga’s beauty comes definitely from mom

[@LinceeSeguridad]

Cynthiaaaa❤❤ wow beautful

[@loritouma9767]

Wow she us absolutely beautiful person. Amazing beauty inside and out!!

[@lynngold1865]

These short news segments are not enough for something this important.this needs more time& too many quick questions were asked.they need a longer segment to let Lady Gaga's mom talk.they kept interrupting her.Hope they do a special on this.

[@GeordiLaForge1974]

I love the Germanotta family! They are a tight Italian family and Lady Gaga is a fighter.

[@AndySaenz]

Cynthia Germanotta is a beautiful lady! Wow, now we all see where Gaga gets her good looks from.

[@hopiebramessesii360]

Oh my goodness can I relate! Wow. I too have struggled with depression n anxiety n ptsd. N I too have had struggles in the industry as a child. Miss GaGa Inspires me so. Much Love Lady much love! 💃🔺️💯

[@rebeccamd7903]

Looks like Lady Gaga has a great mother! 👏 Bravo mom!!

[@foo681]

When someone has a mental problem it is belittled but when someone breaks their leg they are given sympathy and get their cast signed as a gesture of healing. How can we expect so much out of the most complicated part of our body but not be willing to care for it and give it a break? It needs to change.

[@jodavin2325]

Her mother is lovely.x

[@zn.mercury3089]

Wish the hosts didn't speak over Cynthia as much as they did. I don't think they took her as seriously as they should've.. Also, her name, Cynthia Germanotta, should have been in the title. Maybe put Gaga's name in parenthesis if you need views that bad, idk.

[@edum.6353]

Cynthia is beautiful and smart! They're really making an impact

[@samirmarquez5270]

What a beautiful mom

[@sunsaverfromnhh9184]

America's best artist's mother is America's greatest hero. We are blessed just to see this dynamic duo: our nation honored by your presence in this world. We LOVE you, Ms. Germanotta! - And your amazingly talented and creative daughter... Thank you, too, CBS This Morning.

[@ViniciusAmorim-w5c]

Obrigado Cinthia Germanotta Lady Gaga Tem Uma Mãe Super Linda & Interligente Te Amo Gaga

[@saorsablack9895]

I have LOVED THIS BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT SINCE HER DEBUT. 💙💚💛💜 LOVE GaGa LaLa'Love Ms. Cynthia.. Y'all raised some BEAUTIFUL BABIES!!!

[@jenniferkathleen2401]

Mental health , we need to care ourselves. Thank you Lady Gaga for your advice. This is close to home, I am dealing with PTSD on sexual abuse by my half sister whom is a teacher for children , go figure?! I felt i wanted to die or wish I was dead. I am going to fight it. I know when SSA has been played in this toxic family, I have accepted the family I wanted to belong is gone forever. I am not ready to make nice. I have watched this video makes me feel good I am not alone. Parents, please be viglante. I am advising not preaching. I do not want another child in this evil world NOT to be sexually abuse, physical abuse which I have endured. Believe me , the Children are our FUTURE! TREAT THEM GOOD! I seek God for healing ,praying and seek his godly words. God Bless you Lady Gaga on PTSD awareness . You are strong and talented woman in this generation. I enjoyed your homage to Mrs. Julie Andrews at the Oscar Keep Fighting , Lady Gaga. To all, thank you for reading . I want to say Thank You, MS. Lady Gaga for sharing your PTSD struggles, and knowledge on PTSD.

[@beller8501]

Shes so right

[@noemistephanie93]

Wow her mom looks so young and amazing! Gaga is probably gonna age well like her as she grows older

[@awcrosby]

OMG!! This EXACTLY what my family is going through!!! Thank you so much for this segment!!

[@walterhigo7658]

Everys single family goes through this.

[@reinhardt7261]

I remember when I was in middle school a new girl had walked into the classroom. A group of mean girls instantly began to bully her and threw her a piece of paper. The new girl grabbed the piece of paper and fiercely threw it back and yelled "TELL HER SHE BETTER NOT MESS WITH ME!!! The whole room went quiet even the teacher. From then on she became the most respected girl in school and she also became the new popular one. I was very impressed by her. Its just a matter of standing your ground and not let people walk all over you from the start. Unfortunately not many kids have the courage to stand up for themselves.

[@AndySaenz]

The greatest revenge on your bullies is to be more successful in life than they will ever be! Look at how Gaga has climbed to the top of the music industry! Where are her bullies now?

[@allenviado1824]

And she's now also a movie star❤

[@SandraLovesSun]

Hopefully not in her head. That’s the main problem. How we talk to ourselves.

[@Urbina930]

Sandra so true

[@dallasharlow4431]

I love you. paws up! Prayers.

[@theitaliancanecorso9053]

I love you Lady Gaga!

[@wakingribbons]

I see a lot of comments here talking about "where are Gaga's bullies now?" In reality, those kids probably had it bad themselves. Bullying can stem from insecurity. I would say most of the time, that's the case. I don't think we should condone their actions, but I do think that we should have empathy for the bully because they feel the need to push around someone more vulnerable.Instead of pushing back, a mediator should ask the bully and really listen to why they feel the need to hurt someone else to feel better. This is just my opinion though. You don't stop pain with more pain. You put pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding, then you mend it.

[@TreenaBeena]

Very inspirational. A lot of wisdom shared here!

[@dannydeane4667]

Such a role model

[@NlHILIST]

Someday they will make a movie about Lady Gaga, potentially an incredible one, and I just hope with all my heart that it won't have a tragic ending. Please, please, Cynthia and Joe, keep her close and watch over her. and may God protect her from harm always 🖤

[@rachelp.394]

My father has mental illness problems too, it’s good to hear it being talked about so publicly 💚

[@spiderboyjosh]

Physical pain subsides, mental and emotional pain lasts a lifetime.

[@christar9527]

Joshua Naylor True usually. Emotional pain is worse.

[@spiderboyjosh]

@@christar9527 That's really what I was implying in my comment. It takes more work and self dedication to overcome mental anguish. You can exercises muscles and heal your physical wounds. Working on what effects are made to your mind takes way more effort and for some too difficult to overcome.

[@seven7401]

Gaga's mom is perfect

[@rachf9695]

Great advice momma! Your Gaga is beautiful :-)

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

Three cheers for Mama Cynthia!

[@antaka3697]

Wow, such wisdom

[@redrobin7638]

a lovely woman

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

I struggle with rapid bipolar , anxiety and depression. I can barely keep up with paying for my doctor appointments and prescription medication. I do work but I still struggle to pay. At least Gaga has the means to get excellent help because she has the money to do so unlike alot of struggling Americans . just saying. Its scary.

[@Medusa5150]

I can totally relate. Thanks for this piece.

[@andrewwells6323]

Such a beautiful message.

[@pseudopulk3478]

mom goals