Instagram/@bellahadid
Bella Hadid had announced vulnerably and candidly her difficult past and was also presenting her anxiety and depression as a mental health issue that she had ‘consumed’ the world with. The supermodel has already kindled a wave of kindness by her honesty post and such reaction is from people who felt the same and shared.
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Bella Hadid is giving the world a peep into her life, not just the glamorous side but the not-so-good side as well. The supermodel in her very candid and emotional post did not hold back talking about her battling with mental health issues for years and described it as ‘invisible’ suffering. She used to discuss the debilitating nature of her mental health issue and told how it could make one ‘in tears before even starting the day’ despite the person leading what from the outside appears to be a very bright life.
She expressed her remorse for the guilt that is commonly associated with mental health issues and instead of condemning the poor, sad people living in ‘blessed’ circumstances with rich and beautiful people, she was pitying them. But the gifted diva confessed that she had changed her perception, that she no longer regarded her sensitivity and empathy as weaknesses, but saw them as the superpowers that enabled her to better understand herself and other people.
The 28-year-old celebrity directly addressed the public that was having to deal with the same daily struggles. ‘To everyone going through this on a daily basis; I want you to keep in mind that you are not by yourself,’ she expressed. ‘And I love you so very much.’
She was not only referring to herself but to the children and families that she had come into contact with during her humanitarian work with UNICEF. Hadid recalled some of the kids and families that she had met through the organization who had experienced ‘unimaginable trauma, war, and displacement’ but still managed to be cheerful and hopeful. She stated that they were undergoing the same invisible battles of anxiety and PTSD but without mental health care, which is a luxury that many of us take for granted.
‘May it not be an access to mental health care to be a luxury—it’s a right!’ Hadid emphatically proclaimed. She pointed out people’s healing process, which involves pain that differs according to social class and background, should still matter even if it’s not similar to theirs.
The model made certain to give practical resources; she specifically mentioned the number of the National Mental Health Hotline (866-903-3787) for free and confidential support. She told everyone who might be in trouble not to think twice before seeking help and also pointed out that discussing the problem with others helped her understand her mind better.
Hadid’s vulnerability went down well with her followers. One supporter expressed it in words that many seemed to feel: ‘Needed this… sending love and light’. Gratitude for her being willing to share was a prevailing sentiment that came through the reactions and was almost always there.
Another social media user commented that the bravery and openness of Hadid would not only assist countless people to feel they are not alone in their personal struggles but also bring a soothing effect to their mental state. ‘Your vulnerability will help so many people feel less alone.’ ‘I sincerely wish you will find the tranquillity in your mind that you so richly deserve,’ said the user.
Some comments became much more deep considering the possible root cause of her suffering. One person was pondering over how much of Hadid’s burden might be inherited through the trauma of her ancestors, even going so far to call her ‘large empathetic heart’ that feels things too acutely. They put this kind of feeling in her as ‘having the best of both worlds, a superpower and a daily challenge’ that she needs to manage.
The comments have made it clear that the emotional power of her words was indeed huge. ‘Thanks bella I needed it,’ simply commented one user, thus interpreting the relief that recognizing an experience in oneself is the most common reaction to when such experience is made visible through a well-known person.
Moreover, even comments in other languages indicate that the connection is there. An Arabic comment, when translated, became ‘May Allah bless you and protect you and bring goodness and happiness to you bella,’ which shows how far and wide the message has been sent.
While there was an outpour of sympathy from the public, some critics pointed to the same old humanitarian problems being always present in the places where Hadid’s work is, albeit most of the comments have been focusing on praising her for being the voice of mental health advocacy. ‘Thank you for being raw and real,’ is the summary of one response that appears to represent the majority opinion.
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In her concluding remarks, Hadid connected her personal revelations to World Mental Health Day and encouraged support of UNICEF’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Although her journey has brought her from sharing private pain to public advocacy, it is still a big leap reflecting the celebrity culture’s not very close but still able to influence mental health discourse relationship. By portraying her struggles as integral to her humanity rather than as a force that should be kept at the back, Hadid continues to shatter the barriers around mental wellness conversations at the very apex of visibility. Her recent health battle with Lyme disease has been part of her journey, and she has also shared joyful rodeo moments in emotional video tributes. Additionally, she continues to celebrate her passions, as seen in her heartfelt tribute to the western community and equestrian passion, while also expanding her business ventures with the launch of her new Orebella fragrance at Ulta Beauty.