Bella Hadid got candid about having to turn down jobs while going through Lyme disease treatment.
While being interviewed by Gigi Hadid for a cover of Vogue Italia, Bella, 29, was asked what she was “learning” about “pushing it too hard” when it comes to a healthy work-life balance.
“We’re learning that when it’s time to say no we have to say no,” the model replied. Gigi, 30, added, “And learning how to schedule our lives in a way that is for longevity.”
Bella continued, “Right, I think that’s very important and actually I have really learned that and I think that the way that I worked for many years was not sustainable. I think that, you know, even during COVID I continued to work.” Now, she feels more aligned with who she is “right now.”
Bella Hadid’s Lyme Disease Battle in Her Own Words
“Being able to be in Texas with my horses and my dog, having a real life, and then going back to work makes it more fulfilling,” she explained. “Now I know that if I’m able to say ‘No,’ even going through my [Lyme disease] treatment last year and having to say no to every job for almost a year, which I cried about. I was emotional because you feel disposable.”
Bella went on to say she “struggled” with not tying her personal value to jobs. “You know, my successes and the things that I do in my work does not equate to who I am as a person and how loved I am or how good I am doesn’t have to do with the jobs that I say yes to,” she said, noting she discussed the topic in therapy.
“For so long, saying no to a job was like, ‘Who was I to say no to anything?’ You know, it was both of us and we were just grateful to have respect in the industry.” Bella shared that she learned how to “release” that mindset and learn that “people know my heart and my personality and who I am enough now.”
She added, “I can release that and really do the jobs that are with and for the people that I love and trust and support and respect. And that’s good enough. And I’m good enough.”
Bella has been candid about her struggles with Lyme disease in the past, which she was diagnosed with in 2013.
In September 2025, she shared photos of herself in a hospital and hooked up to IVs.
“I’m sorry I always go MIA I love you guys,” she captioned the post. Her mom, Yolanda Hadid — who was also diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012 — commented, “❤️Lyme warrior.”
Gigi added, “I love you! I hope [you] feel as strong and good as u deserve, soon!!!!!!”
Yolanda further praised her daughter’s strength via social media that same month.
“Watching my Bella struggle in silence cuts the deepest core of hopelessness inside me,” she wrote in a lengthy post. “The invisible disability of chronic neurological Lyme disease is hard to explain; I try to lead by example on our Lyme journey, but my own pain cannot compare to watching my baby suffer.”
Bella Hadid Says Intense Lyme Disease Treatment Has ‘Taken a Toll on Me’
Yolanda, 62, continued, “To my beautiful Bellita: You are relentless and courageous. I admire your bravery and your willingness to keep fighting for health despite the failing protocols and countless setbacks you have faced.”
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum added, “There simply aren’t words big enough for the darkness, the pain, and the unknown hell you’ve lived through since your diagnosis in 2013. You didn’t really live, you learned how to exist inside the jail of your own paralyzed brain. I am so proud of the fighter that you are.”
