My boyfriend has bipolar and I see it as an illness just as any other. If he were diabetic, I would support him to take his medication just as bipolar can be managed with medication. Society sucks because they are ignorant. I suggest encouraging your family members to read books and get educated. This illness should not have a stigma attached to it. I view my boyfriend as one of the greatest hearts I have ever had the pleasure to know. Just be forgiving ... Im sure she didnt mean to sound negative but sometimes people are not so great with words.