My mother is generally supportive (or at least tries to be) of dealing with mental illness. She's struggled with depression off and on her whole life, I think. There were family members with bipolar in my dad's family, too, so she's dealt with it before. I just told her about my DX this past weekend. She was supportive, as I expected her to be.

I have, however, two brothers who are very loving and supportive in general, but also believe that the mind is more powerful than any other thing in the world. One, particularly, believes that depression is simply a matter of not willing yourself to be better. He said this years ago (and not directly about me); I don't know if his views have matured over time or not, but I don't share my struggles with either of my brothers all the same. I don't want to hear things from them that make it harder for me to deal with this. I only talk to them about topics unrelated to this - which still leaves quite a lot.

Do you have any other support system in your life where you are free to discuss this, besides family? I've found, in general, that others will not change their views (especially deeply held convictions) unless they are open and willing before the discussion. Sounds like your family is not, and trying to make them see the truth of this matter is futile until they want to open themselves up to the possibility that science may have more answers than their version of faith on this issue.

Maybe others on here with better outcomes in working with their families can provide more insight for you. Sorry you have to deal with this in your family...