Supermodel Bella Hadid has candidly discussed her ongoing struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance while battling chronic neurological Lyme disease for fourteen years. In a revealing interview with Vogue Italia, the 29-year-old IMG model reflected on unsustainable work patterns that persisted even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A New Perspective on Work and Health
"The way that I worked for many years was not sustainable. I think that, you know, even during COVID I continued to work," Hadid confessed. The model has found greater fulfilment by dividing her time between Texas, where she enjoys life with her horses and dog, and returning to work with renewed purpose.
Hadid explained her evolved approach to career decisions: "Being able to be in Texas with my horses and my dog, having a real life, and then going back to work makes it more fulfilling." She now prioritises working only with people she loves, trusts, supports, and respects.
The Emotional Toll of Saying No
The model recalled the difficult experience of declining work during her intensive Lyme disease treatment last year. "Now I know that if I'm able to say 'No,' even going through my Lyme disease treatment last year and having to say no to every job for almost a year, which I cried about," she shared. "I was emotional because you feel disposable."
Family Support and Public Tributes
On September 18, Hadid's mother Yolanda Hadid posted an emotional Instagram tribute to her daughter, describing Bella as a "bada** warrior" during hospital treatment. The 62-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star wrote: "I admire your bravery and your willingness to keep fighting for health despite the failing protocols and countless setbacks you have faced."
Yolanda continued with heartfelt words about her daughter's struggle: "There simply aren't words big enough for the darkness, the pain, and the unknown hell you've lived through since your diagnosis. You didn't really live, you learned how to exist inside the jail of your own paralyzed brain. I am so proud of the fighter that you are."
A Mother's Ongoing Support
The Dutch-born mother, who also contracted the tickborne illness in 2012 alongside her children Bella and Anwar, promised continued support: "You are not alone, I promise to have your back every step of the way, no matter how long this takes." Yolanda remains determined to find affordable treatments for Lyme disease, eight years after documenting her extensive medical journey involving 106 doctors and various therapies in her book "Believe Me."
Declaring Health and Resilience
In 2023, Hadid made a significant announcement about her health status. The activist, who boasts 74.2 million social media followers, declared: "One thing I want to express to you all is that 1: I am okay and you do not have to worry." She added, "And 2: I wouldn't change anything for the world. If I had to go through all of this again, to get here, to this exact moment I'm in right now, with all of you, finally healthy, I would do it all again."
Hadid reflected on her journey's transformative nature: "It made me who I am today. The universe works in the most painful and beautiful ways but I need to say that if you are struggling - it will get better. I promise."
Celebrity Connections to Lyme Disease
Hadid joins numerous other celebrities who have battled Lyme disease, including Justin Timberlake, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Alec Baldwin, Amy Schumer, Ben Stiller, and Riley Keough. The condition has affected multiple high-profile individuals across the entertainment industry.
Recent Sightings and Business Ventures
The half-Dutch, half-Palestinian model was recently photographed leaving a party at West Hollywood's Chateau Marmont, following an earlier sighting at Beverly Hills marijuana dispensary The Artist Tree. Beyond modeling, Hadid maintains a busy schedule as entrepreneur of her alcohol-free fragrance company, Ôrəbella, which launched in 2024.
Hadid's journey illustrates the complex intersection of chronic illness, career demands, and personal wellbeing in the public eye. Her experiences highlight the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising health, even within high-pressure industries.
