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Supermodel Bella Hadid, known for her striking beauty and successful modeling career, has been candid about her ongoing battle with Lyme disease, shedding light on the challenges she faces, both physically and emotionally. Bella’s journey with the tick-borne illness began back in 2012 when she, along with her mother Yolanda Hadid and brother Anwar, received their diagnoses.
In a recent revelation, the 26-year-old supermodel shared the extensive history of her health struggles, touching on the toll Lyme disease has taken on her life. Bella’s journey is a powerful reminder of the hidden battles that individuals often face, even those who appear to have it all.
In a TikTok post, Bella shared her health scare, which stemmed from an emergency root canal surgery she underwent a year ago. She revealed that she had developed a low-grade infection beneath the neighboring tooth, resulting in inflammation around her eyes. Bella used her platform to urge her followers to prioritize their health, emphasizing the importance of listening to their bodies.
She explained in her post, “This made my Lyme flare up, which means the Lyme is attacking the places that are suffering such as my tooth, jaw, brain, spine, bones, and the entire nervous system.” While a jaw infection, also known as a dental or oral infection, is not directly related to Lyme disease, any infection or illness that weakens the immune system can potentially trigger a flare-up of Lyme disease symptoms, according to an expert in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.
Bella’s openness extended to her physical and emotional struggles. She revealed how internalizing her pain left her distraught, describing moments of agony, including “crying in the shower, pain parallel to my spine on both sides, shoulder blades, and meridian track,” alongside emotional upheaval.
The supermodel also touched upon the impact of her health problems on her appearance. She confessed to feeling disheartened by the changes in her physical appearance, saying, “You can only wonder why my face changes. That’s why I hate looking in the mirror or taking pictures. Truly want to throw up at the sign of myself constantly.”
Lyme disease is known to have a range of symptoms, and it can even affect mental health. The disease can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes, as stated by a doctor. Seeking medical attention for diagnosis and treatment is crucial for individuals experiencing such symptoms.
Amid the pain and challenges, Bella Hadid found solace in an unexpected place: the riding stables. She shared that being around her horses helped take her mind off the pain and provided a source of comfort during her difficult journey.
Bella’s willingness to share her struggles with Lyme disease and its impact on her mental and physical well-being underscores the importance of empathy, awareness, and understanding. As she aptly put it, “Life isn’t always what it looks like on the outside, and the hardest part of this journey is to be judged by the way you look instead of the way you feel.” Bella’s story serves as an inspiration for others facing invisible battles and highlights the importance of compassion and support within the realm of health and wellness.