Hi RenouncedTroglodyte, welcome to PC!!
I'm sorry you're having to go through this with your family, and I can certainly see how the situation could be contributing to your depression and low self-esteem.
But just keep remembering that just because they don't want to listen to or disagree with your views that doesn't need to make them/your views "wrong" or less valuable, you know that don't you??
Your views do matter!! I don't know if it's a situation where they've got used to "dictating"/not listening to your views and you may be able to very gradually put a little more force......and a little more force.......behind some of the opinions you have........gradually get them to listen just a bit more..............??
But if not, hopefully you have or can find other "outlets" (family members or friends) whereas you can be yourself, express yourself and feel more respected and valued???
I know it has to be so frustrating, undermining to have your family behave like this, but maybe in their view they are trying to "lead you down the right path" as they see it, and give you the benefit of recognising the "right" way in the world as they see it.
But just as you said you don't have to follow in their footsteps. Your views, opinions do/will matter. So just try to be proud of those, hey? And the fact that you have the strength to hold on to these despite being told what you "should" think. Let it comfort you that you are still "your own person"/you still have your own identity in all of this and you will have the opportunity to make that really count with others.
And you know if you want to talk then we're pretty open here too, so just feel free to express yourself...........about your opinions, you views, the way you're feeling, whatever you want to say.

Alison