Supermodel Bella Hadid is opening up about her ongoing battle with chronic illness, specifically Lyme disease, revealing the emotional toll it takes on her. On November 14, the 28-year-old model shared her struggles with fans through Instagram Stories, highlighting the unpredictable nature of her health and the mental struggles that accompany her condition.
In a poignant first story, Hadid posted a meme that resonated with many, 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.” This message encapsulated the frustrations that come with living with a chronic illness, which she chose not to elaborate on further.
Bella followed this with another story that provided deeper insight into her feelings. She reshared a post from influencer Alexandra Wildeson that discussed the “duality” of living with a chronic illness. Bella expressed her gratitude for the post, acknowledging the real and overwhelming anxiety surrounding her frequent medical challenges. “The medical anxiety is soooooo real,” she wrote, thanking Wildeson for articulating her experiences and emotions, illustrating that her struggles are both physical and psychological.
The model’s health journey has been turbulent, especially in recent months. In September, she posted images from a hospital bed while undergoing treatment for Lyme disease, alongside a heartfelt message to her fans explaining her absence from social media. Shortly after her hospital stay, Bella made a determined effort to regain her strength, sharing her progress as she walked on a treadmill and gradually returned to the gym, indicating her desire to reclaim her physical wellness.
Bella’s remarkable resilience was further highlighted when she made a stunning return to modeling during Paris Fashion Week, walking for Saint Laurent just weeks after her health struggles. This comeback demonstrates her unwavering dedication to her career despite the challenges posed by her illness.
The emotional aspect of her journey is not lost on her family. Bella’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, has often expressed her distress at witnessing her daughter’s battles, describing her as a “warrior” and sharing the anguish of feeling helpless as she observes Bella’s ongoing struggles. Both Yolanda and Bella received diagnoses of chronic Lyme disease in 2012, marking the beginning of a long and arduous road for their family.
Bella’s transparency about her health issues provides comfort and encouragement to many who face similar challenges, reminding them that they are not alone. Her continued determination to push through adversity serves as a beacon of hope for others affected by chronic illnesses.