Bella Hadid's Inspiring Journey: Overcoming Lyme Disease to Transform into the Phenomenal Woman She Is Today

Courtesy of Bella Hadid/Instagram

Bella Hadid has spoken candidly about her struggles with Lyme disease over the years.

Diagnosed with Lyme disease at the age of 16 in 2012, the model Bella was not the sole member of her family facing the public struggle with this debilitating illness. Confirming during the Global Lyme Alliance Gala in 2015, her mother Yolanda Hadid revealed that both Bella and her brother Anwar Hadid were dealing with it.

Praising Bella for her decision to prioritize her health, her sister Gigi Hadid expressed her admiration and support. In an Instagram post in August 2023, Gigi mentioned Bella's recent completion of a lengthy and intense treatment for Lyme disease, clarifying that it was not a guarantee of her return to the runway in the upcoming season. Gigi expressed her pride in Bella and conveyed her excitement for her eventual comeback, whenever Bella felt ready.

In that particular month, Bella provided a glimpse into her treatment to inspire others who may be going through a similar experience.

Sharing her message on Instagram, she wrote, "The universe operates in both agonizing and breathtaking ways. However, I must emphasize that if you are facing difficulties, it will improve, I assure you." Accompanying her words was a photo of her receiving IV treatments. "Take a moment to distance yourself, stay resilient, believe in your journey, embrace your authenticity, and gradually, the haze will disperse."

Courtesy of Bella Hadid/Instagram

Bella Hadid expressed, "After enduring nearly 15 years of hidden pain, I can confidently say that it was all worthwhile, if, God willing, I can now live a life filled with love and authenticity. ... I will return when I feel ready. I deeply miss each and every one of you. I hold so much love for all of you."

Scroll down for details about Bella’s battle with Lyme disease in her own words:

Getting Candid

One month after her mother disclosed her diagnosis, Bella finally opened up about the challenges she faced with her health.

In a 2015 interview with ES Magazine, Bella recounted how the diagnosis had impacted her memory, causing her to forget simple things like how to get from Malibu to Santa Monica, her place of residence. She also expressed her inability to engage in activities like horseback riding due to her illness, which ultimately led to the difficult decision of selling her horse as she couldn't provide the care it needed.

Affecting Her Career

"I often wake up with bone pain, forcing me to go back to sleep. Even after sleeping for 14 hours, I still feel exhausted," Bella revealed exclusively to We in 2016.

Bella revealed that she continues to experience nervousness on red carpets, confessing, "There are moments when I still find myself trembling. I often reach out to my mom and express my reluctance to go to work, saying, 'I really don't want to go today. Please let me skip it.' However, she always reminds me, 'You have a commitment to fulfill today. You must go.' Eventually, I do attend, but I make sure to take a nap during lunch."

Facing Major Challenges

During an interview with Porter in 2017, Bella detailed the first few months following her diagnosis. “That was the hardest time of my life,” she shared.

Dealing With Her Health

In March 2023, Bella experienced a flare-up due to a tooth infection following a root canal surgery.

"Underneath the tooth, NEXT to the one I had a root canal on a year ago, there was a low-grade infection," Bella explained in a TikTok caption. "As a result, my Lyme disease flared up, causing attacks on various areas of my body such as the tooth, jaw, gut, brain, spine, bones, and the nervous system as a whole."

Courtesy of Bella Hadid/Instagram

According to Bella, even minor physical or mental trauma can trigger flare-ups of Lyme disease. While she is used to experiencing these flare-ups, what concerns her more is the intensity of the pain radiating from her jaw, particularly considering its connection to Lyme disease. She describes how the pain escalated rapidly, going from zero to one hundred in no time.

Listing Her Symptoms

Amid her Lyme disease flare-up, Bella discussed what symptoms she has faced over the years.

Reflecting on How Far She Has Come

Bella expressed her self-appreciation in a comprehensive social media update following a 100-day treatment. In an Instagram post shared in August 2023, she acknowledged her personal growth and resilience, attributing it to not giving up on herself. Bella expressed gratitude towards her mother for diligently preserving her medical records, unwaveringly standing by her, offering constant support and protection, and above all, believing in her throughout the entire journey.

Courtesy of Bella Hadid/Instagram

Bella also shared the personal obstacles she faced due to her diagnosis, stating, "Being in this state, deteriorating over time and trying to make myself, my family, and my supporters proud, has had a profound impact on me that I find difficult to put into words. Being simultaneously sad and unwell, despite having numerous blessings, privileges, opportunities, and love surrounding me, was incredibly confusing. There are two things I want to convey to all of you: 1) I am doing fine and there is no need to worry, and 2) I wouldn't change a single thing. If I had to go through it all again to reach this exact moment I am in right now, surrounded by all of you and finally healthy, I would without hesitation. This journey has shaped me into the person I am today."