“There are more than 7,000 different rare disorders. Combined, 1 in 10 Americans has a rare disorder,
so the experience of rare is actually common.”
Although the experience of rare may be common, it can also be lonely to know few others who look, feel, or experience life like we do. Researchers at Oregon State University found that, for people with rare disorders, emotional support and social belonging are more important for happiness than tangible supports. They also found that the link between social support and happiness holds up regardless of how much stress people are feeling in their lives.
