Bella Hadid Opens Up on Chronic Lyme Disease and Medical Anxiety

Supermodel Bella Hadid has candidly addressed her ongoing struggle with Lyme disease and the accompanying medical anxiety in a recent Instagram post. On September 15, 2023, Hadid shared a series of re-shares and personal reflections that reveal the emotional toll of her chronic illness.

Insights into Chronic Illness

In her post, Hadid included a 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.” This statement resonated with many of her followers, illustrating the daily challenges faced by those living with long-term health conditions. She also shared a post from influencer Alexandra Wildeson titled “The Duality of life with chronic illness,” emphasizing the reality of medical anxiety. “The medical anxiety is soooooo real,” she commented, thanking Wildeson for capturing her thoughts accurately.

Hadid’s struggles have been evident in recent public appearances, including her participation in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she carried what she described as 50-pound wings. Diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2013, Hadid has faced numerous health challenges, prompting her to share alarming images from her hospital bed in September. In these photos, she is seen hooked up to an IV, visibly distressed, and encapsulating the gravity of her situation.

Support from Family

On September 17, 2023, Hadid posted a series of photos from her hospital visit, which included candid moments such as wearing a Pikachu onesie and a late-night pizza dinner in bed. Her heartfelt captions included, “I’m sorry I always go MIA I love you guys,” highlighting the emotional weight of her absence from social media during difficult times.

Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, expressed her support in the comments, referring to Bella as a “Lyme warrior.” Sister Gigi Hadid also voiced her love, wishing Bella strength and good health. Yolanda shared her own reflections, stating that watching Bella “struggle in silence” has been profoundly painful for her. She described the “invisible disability of chronic neurological Lyme disease” as difficult to understand for anyone outside of it.

Yolanda, who has also been diagnosed with Lyme disease, has previously spoken about the family’s journey with this illness. During an emotional speech at the Global Lyme Alliance Gala in 2015, she revealed that both Bella and brother Anwar Hadid had been diagnosed as well. “This award is for Anwar and Bella,” she said, pledging to fight against their pain and suffering.

Despite the challenges she faces, Bella Hadid continues to draw strength from her family’s support and her own resilience. As she navigates her health journey, her openness about her struggles serves as a reminder of the realities faced by many living with chronic illnesses.