Bella Hadid has given her fans an update on her health. The 26-year-old model took to Instagram over the weekend, with a candid post about her on-going struggles with Lyme disease.

Alongside a series of intimate photographs of the model’s IV drips and hospital visits, Hadid shared that she has gone through over 100 days of Lyme disease treatment:

“The little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself.

Thankful to my mommy for keeping all of my medical records, sticking by me, never leaving my side, protecting, supporting, but most of all, believing me through all of this.

Living in this state, worsening with time and work while trying to make myself, my family and the people who support me, proud, had taken a toll on me in ways I can’t really explain.

To be that sad and sick with the most blessings/privilege/opportunity/love around me was quite possibly the most confusing thing ever. One thing I want to express to you all is that one, I am okay and you do not have to worry, and two, 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. It made me who I am today.”

 

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The vulnerable post included a medical statement from 2013, which describes the then-17 year old model as having been ill for more than a year and half. It also describes Hadid as “extremely exhausted and depressed,” as well as feeling “ill all the time” and having “memory problems.”

The document also details her severity of Hadid’s symptoms, which included everything from headaches, nightmares and ringing in the ears to muscular weakness, painful lymph nodes, muscle and joint aches, night sweats and palpitations.

“I need to say that if you are struggling- it will get better,” the model added. “I promise. take a step away, 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.

I tried to pick the most positive pictures I could because as painful as this experience was, the outcome was the most enlightening experience of my life filled with new friends, new visions and a new brain

Thank you for the patience of the incredible company’s that I work for, my supporters and the people who continued to check in. My agents Jill and Joseph for protecting me. I love and appreciate you more than I can ever express

Thank you to my genius Dr, and her INCREDIBLE team of nurses. I love you SO much. I’ll be back when I’m ready. I miss you all so much. I love you all so much.”

 

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Soon after her first post, Hadid  posted another series of photographs dedicated to her dog Beans, who she described as “never leaving my side, not for one second.”

What Disease Does Bella Hadid Have?

While the post may have come as a shock to fans not used to seeing the model so unwell, it’s also not the first time Bella has opened up about her struggles with Lyme disease.

Since being diagnosed with the illness in 2012, Bella has given her fans a number of insights into her life with the disease. In April 2023, the model posed multiple TikTok videos about finding it difficult to work through her pain.

Her brother Anwar, and mother Yolanda, were also diagnosed with the illness in 2012.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the disease is caused by the “bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii” which is transmitted to humans through the “bite of infected blacklegged ticks.”

The disease can cause “fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.”

While “most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics,” the CDC notes that some patients experience persistent symptoms even after treatment.