Bella Hadid Opens Up About Struggles with Lyme Disease and Anxiety

Bella Hadid is shedding light on her ongoing struggle with Lyme disease, addressing the emotional toll it takes on her life. On social media, the model shared her experiences with what she describes as “medical anxiety” connected to her chronic illness. Her candid posts come as she continues to navigate the challenges of her condition, which she was diagnosed with in 2013.

On Instagram, Hadid re-shared a poignant quote stating, “When your chronic illness is chronic illness-ing and someone says ‘it’s always something with you,’ like…yes…one might say the illness is…chronic.” Accompanying this message, she commented, “The medical anxiety is soooooo real,” tagging influencer Alexandra Wildeson, who also highlighted the duality of living with a chronic illness. Hadid expressed her gratitude for Wildeson’s ability to articulate her daily struggles, stating, “Thank you for putting every one of my thoughts and daily situations into one swipe. The truuuuuth!”

In recent months, Hadid’s health challenges have become increasingly visible. During the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last month, she appeared to struggle while carrying what she described as 50-pound wings. In September, she shared alarming images from her hospital bed, where she was seen hooked up to an IV, covering her mouth in distress, and appearing visibly unwell. One photo showed her in a Pikachu onesie, while another depicted a late-night pizza dinner in the hospital.

On September 17, 2023, Hadid addressed her fans, stating, “I’m sorry I always go MIA I love you guys.” Support has poured in from her family, including her mother, Yolanda Hadid, who commented “❤️ Lyme warrior,” and sister Gigi Hadid, who offered encouragement, saying, “I love you! I hope u feel as strong and good as u deserve, soon!!!!!!”

Yolanda Hadid has been a vocal advocate for Lyme disease awareness, sharing her own experiences as well. She posted images from Bella’s hospital visit, expressing the deep pain she feels watching her daughter suffer. In one emotional caption, she wrote, “As you will understand, watching my Bella struggle in silence has cut the deepest core of hopelessness inside me.” Yolanda stressed the challenges associated with chronic neurological Lyme disease, noting its invisibility and the difficulty in conveying its impact to others.

She praised Bella’s resilience, stating that her daughter has “learned how to exist inside the jail of [her] own paralyzed brain.” Yolanda concluded her message by affirming Bella’s strength as a “survivor” who continues to “fight for better days” despite facing numerous challenges.

This ongoing battle with Lyme disease has been a family affair, as both Bella and her brother, Anwar Hadid, were diagnosed with the illness in the past. Yolanda revealed this during an emotional speech at the Global Lyme Alliance Gala in 2015, where she vowed to fight for her children’s health and well-being, stating, “This award is for Anwar and Bella. This is my token and my promise to you that I will not allow you to live a life of pain and suffering.”

Through her openness, Bella Hadid continues to raise awareness about Lyme disease and the effects of chronic illness, fostering a conversation that resonates with many who face similar health challenges.