Her candid talk highlights chronic suffering and how to stay safe this summer
Bella Hadid recently revealed that battling Lyme disease has made everyday tasks feel unbearable—especially something as simple as taking a shower. In a new Vogue interview, the supermodel said she lives with excruciating pain, calling it a “chronic” condition that can leave her struggling until late morning the-sun.com+13the-independent.com+13aol.com+13.
Her openness sheds light on what many people face in silence: a condition that goes beyond physical pain and spills into emotional wellness. Let’s break down what Lyme disease looks like, why prevention is vital—and how Bella’s story can help us all.
When Everyday Tasks Become Excruciating
Bella, diagnosed in 2012 (along with her mother and brother), describes constant headaches, brain fog, light and noise sensitivity, inflammation, joint pain, and numbness the-independent.com+1arabnews.com+1.
She admitted:
“It’s hard to take a shower most days… If I have one day off, if I can get in the shower and make myself breakfast, I see that as an accomplishment.” aol.com+6the-independent.com+6luminews.my+6
She often endures “excruciating pain” throughout the morning, sometimes continuing until around 11 a.m. tmevents.fr+4the-independent.com+4lbc.co.uk+4.
What Is Lyme Disease—and Why It Lingers
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through infected tick bites. Early stages often bring a “bullseye” rash, fever, and flu-like symptoms tmevents.fr+5the-independent.com+5thesun.co.uk+5.
Although most cases resolve with prompt antibiotic treatment, a smaller group experiences chronic symptoms—including fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and mood issues—that can persist for years lbc.co.uk.
Bella has spoken about how Lyme, paired with other conditions like anxiety, depression, and thyroid dysfunction, contributes to her daily challenges the-sun.com+3the-independent.com+3aol.com+3.
Early Signs of Lyme Disease May Include:
- Bullseye rash around a tick bite
- Fever, chills, or fatigue
- Headaches and muscle or joint aches
- Brain fog or memory issues
- Light or noise sensitivity
How to Protect Yourself—and What to Do After a Tick Bite
Why does Bella’s story matter? Because Lyme is preventable—and awareness is key.
To reduce your risk this summer:
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks in wooded or grassy areas.
- Use tick repellent with DEET or permethrin-treated fabric.
- After outdoor time, shower and thoroughly check for ticks.
- Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers—grip close to the skin and pull straight out.
- If a rash appears, or flu-like symptoms follow a tick bite, see a healthcare provider right away.
Bella’s Voice: Why Public Disclosure Matters
Celebrities like Bella Hadid sharing their struggles bring much-needed attention to invisible, chronic illnesses. Lyme disease doesn’t always make for obvious symptoms—but that doesn’t make it any less real.
Bella said, “I think nobody really understands chronic illness” lbc.co.uk+3the-independent.com+3thesun.co.uk+3arabnews.comthesun.co.uk. Her honesty helps validate the experiences of those quietly suffering—and encourages more empathy and early action.
The Takeaway
Bella Hadid’s candid account of Lyme disease symptoms—from physical pain to emotional struggles—reminds us that chronic illness can affect anyone. And while her story is high-profile, the disease itself is not rare.
This summer, as we enjoy time outdoors, let Bella’s journey inspire us to protect our bodies, stay alert to symptoms, and support each other’s health journeys.
