Bella Hadid Shares Her Lyme Disease Treatment Process: «Stay Strong»
The Hadid family opens up about their experience of living with an often-invisible illness
Bella Hadid has bravely shared her journey of living with Lyme disease, a condition she contracted at the young age of 16 back in 2012. Her brother, Anwar Hadid, and their mother, Yolanda Hadid, also face the challenges that come with this disease
Not long ago, Bella’s older sister, Gigi Hadid posted on her Instagram Story to explain a throwback picture she had shared with her sister (Bella) backstage at a fashion show last month with the caption, «Can’t wait 4 the comebaccckkkkkk.”
«Just wanna touch on this post from last week,» Gigi wrote. «Bella just finished a long and intense treatment for Lyme disease. Didn’t want some to take my post as a promise she’ll be back for shows this next season…).»
Bella’s Instagram Posts
A few days after her sister’s post, on August 4, Bella shared a series of emotional photos along with a heartfelt message detailing her personal battle with Lyme disease during an exhausting and harsh 100-day treatment period.
She expressed immense pride in herself for not giving up and extended her gratitude to her mother for diligently supporting and protecting her. But above all, for believing in her throughout the entire journey.
In one of the pictured medical documents from February 2014, Bella’s struggles are shown, including the feeling ill all the time, and symptoms such as fatigue, attention deficit disorder, memory disturbances, depression, sleep disorders, headaches, disequilibrium, nightmares, muscular weakness, chest pain and palpitations.
In addition to the Instagram post, other medical records were shown, revealing the presence of various types of bacteria transmitted by parasites, including borrelia, the causative agent of Lyme disease.
Stay strong, have faith in your path, walk in your truth and the clouds will start to clear up. I have so much gratitude for and perspective on life, this 100+ days of Lyme, chronic disease, co-infection treatment, almost 15 years of invisible suffering, was all worth it if I’m able to, God willing, have a lifetime of spreading love from a full cup, and being able to truly be myself, for the first time ever” –expressed Bella.
The Hadid Family: Growing Up With Lyme Disease
In 2019, Gigi opened up to Elle about her mom and siblings battling with the illness.
Growing up, having three of my family members sick made me very independent. My mom couldn’t drive or get out of bed some days, so I took my brother to school with me, or I made lunch… But I also felt a lot of guilt for being the one person in the family who didn’t understand what they were going through. It’s hard when your whole family is in pain and you don’t know what to do” –she told the publication.
On the other hand, in 2016, Yolanda Hadid talked to People about the debilitating symptoms of Lyme disease.
There are rough days when you sleep 12 hours, you wake up at 11 and you can’t get out of bed, with severe joint pain, brain fog, anxiety. There are a lot of symptoms that you can’t see from the outside but bring you to your knees on the inside… You can never get rested, that’s the best way to explain it.”
Lyme disease
This disease is a complex and often misunderstood illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through tick bites. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and neurological issues. For many patients, the road to diagnosis can be long and challenging, as the disease can mimic other conditions.
Bella’s journey with Lyme disease serves as an inspiration to others facing similar health challenges, showing that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to remain strong, resilient, and continue to pursue one’s dreams.
By sharing their story, the Hadid family’s experience with the disease highlights the importance of early detection and treatment. It’s vital to destigmatize and raise awareness about this often-invisible illness.