Bella Hadid Opens Up About Chronic Lyme Disease and Medical Anxiety

Bella Hadid has publicly addressed her ongoing struggle with Lyme disease, shedding light on the accompanying medical anxiety she experiences. On social media, the supermodel shared a poignant post that included a quote reflecting the challenges of living with a chronic illness. “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,” she wrote on Instagram.

In a subsequent post, Hadid highlighted the realities of living with chronic illness, stating, “The medical anxiety is soooooo real.” She expressed gratitude towards influencer Alexandra Wildeson for articulating her feelings and daily challenges in a relatable manner.

Hadid, who was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2013, has been open about her health battles, including a recent appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she struggled while carrying what she described as 50-pound wings. In September, she shared alarming images from her hospital bed, revealing her ongoing fight against the illness. The photos depicted her attached to an IV, visibly distressed, and trying to cope with her conditions.

Among the images, Hadid included snapshots of herself in a Pikachu onesie and a late-night pizza dinner in her hospital room. “I’m sorry I always go MIA I love you guys,” she wrote alongside the September 17 posts, conveying her appreciation for the support from her followers.

Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, also took to social media to share her thoughts on Bella’s condition. In her comments, Yolanda referred to her daughter as a “Lyme warrior” and expressed her deep concern for Bella’s well-being. “As you will understand, watching my Bella struggle in silence has cut the deepest core of hopelessness inside me,” Yolanda wrote. She emphasized the difficulty of explaining the invisible disability of chronic neurological Lyme disease and articulated her pain at seeing her daughter suffer.

Yolanda praised Bella’s resilience, stating that she has learned to navigate the challenges posed by her illness, describing her as a “survivor” who continues to fight for better days despite numerous setbacks. The Hadid family has been vocal about their experiences with Lyme disease; Yolanda revealed in 2015 that both Bella and her brother, Anwar Hadid, have also been diagnosed with the condition.

During an emotional speech at the Global Lyme Alliance Gala, Yolanda declared, “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.” Her commitment to advocating for her children highlights the ongoing impact of Lyme disease on their family.

Bella Hadid’s openness about her health struggles serves to raise awareness of Lyme disease and the mental health challenges that can accompany chronic illness. Her candid posts resonate with many who face similar battles, fostering a sense of community and support among those dealing with chronic conditions.