Our EDS Support Group was originally formed in 2016. We will have regular monthly meetings and social get-togethers. We understand that EDSers have our good days and our bad days. Even if you cannot attend the meetings regularly, we can still communicate through our web pages. The Columbia, MO EDS group is located between St. Louis and Kansas City, MO and it is believed there is a need for a group
in this particular area for those who have difficulty, or who absolutely cannot make the drive back and forth to one of the cities mentioned for meetings and/or other possible activities. There are numerous cities in the surrounding areas of Columbia whose EDS residents would benefit from this group. We want to do our best to make certain we are providing support for all possible areas, making it more convenient for individuals to attend meetings and feel closer to any other assistance or services we provide. In our group settings you have the ability to attain and maintain friendships with others who share and/or understand your plight. It is refreshing not to have to explain how you can look so well yet feel so bad. It is particularly satisfying to feel validated without exception or enquiry. As you assimilate to, or become comfortable within, your group you will experience factual, positive changes to your mental and physical well-being! These benefits may be gradual and the impact will vary from one person to the next. It is possible the changes will limit themselves to the duration of each meeting; however, all positive changes, temporary or not, are gifts to be realized and relished in their lasting moments. The causal effects are several but, generally, these changes are due to being in the company of others who comprehend your syndrome, who believe your affliction and symptoms are altogether genuine. Validation is sought after by each of us, and, except for the sickness itself, there is nothing more hurtful than the absence of someone who believes you are, in fact, ill and not simply lazy or crazy.
