Recently, speaking to aol, Bella Hadid reflected on the period when she nearly stepped away from all work for almost a year to focus on treatment for Lyme disease. The experience, she said, took a significant emotional toll, as it made her feel that “you can be replaced at any time.”

Despite that vulnerability, Bella shared that she now feels more at peace with herself. Living in Texas, spending time with her pets, and building a genuinely private life before returning to work has made her career as one of the most in-demand models in the industry feel more meaningful and fulfilling. She also acknowledged candidly that her previous approach to work was “not sustainable.”

Through therapy, Bella learned to separate her self-worth from her professional achievements. “For a long time, saying ‘no’ to a job felt like questioning who I was to even dare to turn anything down,” she said. “I had to learn to let go of that mindset. I believe people understand my heart, my character, and who I am well enough for me to choose projects that align with the people I love, trust, support, and respect. That is enough. And I am enough.”

Bella Hadid was diagnosed with Lyme disease at the age of 16. The illness has caused her to endure severe symptoms, including chronic joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, extreme fatigue, and other health complications. Her younger brother Anwar Hadid and her mother Yolanda Hadid have also been diagnosed with the disease.

Throughout her career, Bella has repeatedly updated fans on her health struggles, openly sharing periods of intensive treatment. In August 2023, she wrote on Instagram that living with a condition that worsened over time—while continuing to work and trying to please her family and supporters—had worn her down in ways that were “hard to explain.” She described the feeling as being “sad and sick amid so much privilege and love,” a painful paradox that left her deeply conflicted.

On September 17, 2025, Bella once again sparked concern among fans when she posted photos of herself in a hospital bed, apologizing for frequently “disappearing” while reassuring everyone that she still loves them.

Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, later shared additional images of Bella undergoing IV treatment, along with a heartfelt message of encouragement. She wrote that Bella had bravely endured another month of treatment, continued to believe in miracles, and kept fighting for brighter days ahead.