Acting helps my depression: Lady Gaga

Updated 16 November 2015
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Acting helps my depression: Lady Gaga

LOS ANGELES: Lady Gaga has admitted acting in ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ has done wonders for her health as she finally feels like she’s tackling her mental illness.
’The Do What U Want’ hitmaker — whose real name is Stefani Germanotta — has taken medication for depression and anxiety for several years but admitted her recent role in hit TV show American Horror Story: Hotel has been incomparable in battling her issues.
She explained: “I’m an actress now and that helps a lot. I’ve tried to get off [my medication], but my doctor always tells me not to, that it’s not safe for me.
“I’ve tried a lot of things but there is something about acting that has really helped. I’m a Stefani-Gaga hybrid and I want you to know the real me.”
However, creating the Emmy-winning show certainly wasn’t stress-free as she was terrified she wouldn’t be good enough, causing her to be physically ill.


Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza

Updated 04 January 2026
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Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza

  • Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles

LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.

Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.

He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.

“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.

“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.

“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.

Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”

As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.

The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.

International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.

Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.