Have you ever heard the saying, “It takes a village”? Usually, it’s in the context of raising children, but I think a village is necessary throughout every stage of life. A village is more than just a group of people—it’s a safe space that fosters love, compassion, support, and empowerment. It’s a community.
When I was first diagnosed with Endometriosis, I felt completely alone. I didn’t know what it was, and I certainly didn’t know anyone else going through it. Like so many others, I turned to the internet—scouring forums, social media, and any digital space where I could find people who understood. Through these connections, I learned more about endo than I ever could from cold medical texts filled with jargon and statistics.
Community is what inspired me to start This Won’t End Me (TWEM). I saw a desperate need for collective learning and healing. A space where it was understood that no two endo journeys are the same. A place filled with compassion, openness, and—just as importantly—representation and creative expression.
Because where else could I go to talk about that sharp lightning bolt pain that shoots up my butt? Or the struggles of getting a menstrual cup to fit comfortably without leaking? Or the emotional rollercoaster of premenstrual depression and rage? Or the brutal side effects of medically induced menopause or the contraceptive pill?
If this isn’t a village, I don’t know what is.
Why Building a Supportive Community is Essential
Having endo can feel extremely isolating—whether in the workplace, at school, or even within cultural spaces where talking about menstruation still carries the weight of stigma. For too long, the expectation has been to stay silent, to grin and bear it, to accept this as the hand we’ve been dealt.
But here’s the kicker: Community heals.
Many research show that social support plays a critical role in managing chronic illness, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. A study published in The Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that people with strong social connections had lower levels of pain, anxiety, and depression compared to those without a support system. When people feel seen, heard, and validated in their struggles, it directly impacts both their mental and physical health.
For those with endo, this is particularly important. The pain and uncertainty that come with this condition are already heavy enough—having a community that understands can lighten the load. It can mean the difference between suffering in silence and finding real, practical solutions that improve your quality of life.
How Community Impacts Mental & Physical Well-Being
Mentally, being part of a supportive community reduces feelings of isolation, helps combat medical gaslighting, and fosters empowerment in navigating a very daunting and flawed healthcare system.
Having a space to share experiences also provides coping strategies for managing the emotional toll of chronic pain and hormonal imbalances. Physically, research shows that strong social connections can lower stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn helps with pain management.
Community spaces also allow people to exchange practical advice, introduce new approaches to pain relief, and provide the kind of support that makes self-care more sustainable. Even something as simple as a check-in from a fellow endo friend can make all the difference during a difficult flare-up.
Ways to Connect Both Online & Offline
Building community doesn’t always happen overnight, but there are many ways to cultivate meaningful connections. Online, joining support groups, engaging with social media communities, attending virtual events, and sharing personal experiences through blogs or videos can create a sense of belonging.
Offline, local support groups, advocacy events, and even small meet-ups with others who understand the experience of endometriosis can be invaluable. Sometimes, the first step is simply opening up to trusted friends and family, helping them understand what it means to live with endo so they can offer support in ways that truly matter.
Community isn’t just about finding people who understand—it’s about knowing you don’t have to navigate this alone. And that, in itself, is powerful.
About the Author: Thanai Caesar
As the founder of This Won’t End Me, Thanai Caesar is passionate about advocacy, creativity, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.
Living with the condition herself, she understands the frustration of being unheard and channels that passion into endometriosis awareness Through creative initiatives like guided art experiences, storytelling projects, and awareness-driven events, she’s on a mission to make endometriosis seen—because no one should fight alone.