Having a rare illness often makes people feel isolated and alone. When you feel as if no one understands where you’re coming from—or worse yet, when friends and family act as if your symptoms are all in your head, or something you’re only doing to gain attention—it’s easy to become depressed.

But you don’t have to take what Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) throws at you all alone!

From Alabama to Wyoming—people with EDS are waiting to support one another. It’s massive Zebra Love, y’all!

The easiest way to find support is to visit the Ehlers-Danlos Society website’s page listing Support Groups and Charities, click on United States, then click on YOUR state. A lot of the groups have Facebook pages in addition to local face-to-face meetings, so there are plenty of ways and opportunities to connect.

And remember, if one support group doesn’t meet your needs, you can always start one of your own—to paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote: Be the support you need in the world!

If you know of an EDS support group in your area, let people know! Post information about it below and let Patient Worthy help you help others.