Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta a.k.a. Lady Gaga has shared an open letter on the website of her charity, the Born This Way Foundation, detailing her struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Exclaim! has reported. Earlier this week on The Today Show the singer revealed that she was diagnosed five years ago. Her condition is attributed to being raped at age 19.
"I have wrestled for some time about when, how and if I should reveal my diagnosis," Gaga begins. "There is a lot of shame attached to mental illness, but it’s important that you know that there is hope and a chance for recovery." Gaga describes how her illness manifests in panics, with such triggers as "leaving the house or being touched by strangers who simply want to share their enthusiasm for my music," as well as memories of injuries and trauma sustained on past tours.
The Joanne singer describes her self-care routine, and acknowledges the support of family, friends, and fans. "I will never give up on my dreams of art and music. I am continuing to learn how to transcend this because I know I can. If you relate to what I am sharing, please know that you can too."
