Bella Hadid Opens Up About Lyme Disease Battle and Modeling Industry Realities
In a candid new interview with Vogue Italia, supermodel Bella Hadid has shared the profound emotional and professional challenges she faced while battling Lyme disease and stepping away from the fast-paced fashion world. After nearly a year off from modeling to prioritize her health, the 29-year-old admitted to grappling with feelings of being "disposable" as the industry moved on without her.
The Emotional Impact of Stepping Away
Bella revealed that her treatment for Lyme disease required her to decline every modeling job for almost an entire year, a decision that took a significant emotional toll. She described the experience as making her feel unneeded and replaceable in an industry that rarely pauses for anyone. "I was emotional because you feel disposable," she told her sister, Gigi Hadid, during the interview. This period of forced absence led her to question her value and place in the competitive world of fashion.
A Shift in Mindset and Self-Worth
However, this challenging break ultimately sparked a transformative shift in Bella's perspective. She realized that her self-worth is not tied to constantly accepting jobs or maintaining a relentless work schedule. "How good I am doesn't have to do with the jobs that I say yes to," she explained. For years, she had struggled with the idea of saying no, fearing it might diminish her standing. But she learned to release that fear, trusting that her reputation and character would sustain her career. "I think people know my heart and my personality and who I am enough now that I can release that and really do the jobs that are with and for the people that I love and trust and support and respect," she stated.
Learning Boundaries and Finding Fulfillment
Bella credited Gigi with teaching her the importance of setting real boundaries, not just for herself but for those around her. "It's so important, not only advocating for yourself, but for your friends and people around you," she emphasized. This newfound approach has made her work more meaningful, as she now finds joy in seeing friends inspired and happy on set. Her mindset evolution has not only brought her peace but also opened new opportunities, including a role in Ryan Murphy's upcoming project, 'The Beauty'.
Venturing into Acting and Embracing Imperfection
The role in 'The Beauty' pushed Bella far beyond her comfort zone, forcing her to let go of her need for perfection and control. "He made me go really outside of my comfort zone which made me have to release that control again, the control to look good or to do things perfectly," she shared. Interestingly, she channeled her personal struggles with Lyme disease into her performance, using her pain as a source of artistic expression. "I was able to really manifest that in my body and put it into the art and to the work," she said, describing the experience as deeply fulfilling.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites, with symptoms that can initially mimic the flu, including fever, fatigue, headaches, and a distinctive bull's-eye rash. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as joint pain, heart problems, cognitive issues, and persistent fatigue. While early antibiotic treatment often leads to recovery, some individuals, like Bella, experience long-term symptoms that impact daily life, work, and relationships.
Bella Hadid's Long-Term Battle with Lyme Disease
Diagnosed at age 16, Bella has spent over 13 years of her modeling career managing Lyme disease symptoms and exploring various treatments. She has been transparent about her journey, sharing updates and hospital photos on social media, and even apologizing for periods of absence. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, has consistently praised her as a "badass warrior." Despite taking extended breaks, such as one in 2022 to focus on recovery, Bella has made notable comebacks, including appearances at major fashion shows in 2024 and 2025.
This revealing interview highlights not only Bella Hadid's resilience in the face of a chronic illness but also her growth in navigating the pressures of the entertainment and fashion industries. Her story serves as an inspiration for prioritizing health and self-worth over external validation.
