since i was preliminarily diagnosed with depression at the age of seven, ive had quite a few issues. i was concretely diagnosed with severe depression and a severe anxiety disorder 2 years ago. and while over the years ive come to terms with my disabilities, it seems that there are times when i really cant get others to truly understand it.
my sister, for example, is under the impression that depression is not a real illness and can be beaten through determination. and there are several of my friends who acknowledge my disabilities, but i dont think that they truly get that they are in fact there. its like, they think that if there are no obvious physical symptoms, then its all ok.
How am i supposed to make them get it? i dont mind so much the general public, but the people im closest to need to understand that what im going through is real and i need their support. how can i get them to understand that?