Bella Hadid has issued an apology to her followers after an emotional social media post about her ongoing battle with Lyme disease sparked widespread concern over her health. The 29-year-old model, who was first diagnosed with the chronic tick-borne illness in 2013 at the age of 16, recently shared a tearful selfie on her Instagram Stories detailing a severe flare-up of symptoms.
Emotional Revelation and Fan Reaction
In the initial post, Hadid revealed that she had diagnosed herself with 12 additional conditions and expressed frustration that none of the advice or treatment protocols from doctors appeared to be effective. The candid disclosure prompted an outpouring of worry from fans, leading the model to return to Instagram to reassure her audience and apologize for causing alarm.
I know it sounds jarring, but in full truth it's my reality so it's something I'm able to cope with to a capacity now, she wrote. I'm sorry if I startled anyone. This truly is an every day, ebb and flow, for me for the past 15 years. I just had an overwhelming amount of emotion over not being able to do the things my mind is capable of setting, but my body is not capable of doing.
Gratitude and Daily Struggles
Hadid also expressed gratitude for the support she received, adding, Every day is a new day and tomorrow I'm hoping for, God willing, a better one. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your support. I wasn't expecting it, but I'm truly grateful. I love you guys so much.
In her earlier posts, Hadid described the physical toll of the latest flare-up, stating she was out of breath walking to the kitchen and that taking a shower without fainting felt like a really big accomplishment. She shared, Haven't been able to shake off this flare up... Slept 11 hours. Again... Nap everyday. Took every protocol from any and every doctor I've seen. Still nothing helping.
Mental and Emotional Impact
The model also touched on the cognitive effects, writing, I don't think there's a singular brain cell in there working and my last two are beefing with each other so I'm sorry if I ever told you on a bad day to journal I take it back and I'm sorry. In another message, Hadid explained that discussing her condition remains intimidating and difficult because nothing feels certain now that treatments and protocols that previously helped have stopped working.
Longstanding Battle with Lyme Disease
Hadid has previously spoken publicly about living with Lyme disease, which she says causes severe joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, extreme fatigue, and other symptoms. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, and brother, Anwar Hadid, have also been diagnosed with the chronic illness, underscoring the family's ongoing struggle with the condition.
