How can I make then get it?

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?

You could try going to a depression info session or support group with them. I am from Canada and I do know that there are groups that do exist for concerned parents/family/friends of people affected by depression. You could gently suggest it to them?

Unfortunately, not everyone is going to fully understand depression and how much of an effect it has on those with it. Just because someone doesn't fully understand the illness, doesn't mean that they don't care. If your family cannot understand fully the pain you feel, you could reach out and tell them that although they cannot fully understand your illness, does not mean that it doesn't exist. Tie telling them that they don't need to understand the illness, but they need to accept the fact that it has such a big impact on you. They will try to be more mindful of you if they know how much their lack of understanding impacts you.

Hi Asherton....I'm so sorry you're having to struggle to feel that your loved ones understand about your depression. This is such a difficult thing. I couldn't agree more with dg1983, a great idea. And perhaps, if their minds become more open ~they come to understand more about what you are dealing with, there are many books out there talking about how friends and family can understand and be more supportive of you. I have dealt with what you are talking about in the past, and am dealing with it right now, so I know....as many, many of us do....how painful it can be. Wishing you all the best in days to come.....

Very true, and wonderfully said....