My parents really don't understand...not that I expect them to. I don't know if it's due to cultural and generational differences, but they think I'm going through a phase (a very long one)...and my mother's advice is, "It's all in your head. Just don't think about it. We never had this kind of thing in my country." Even after a brief stay at a mental ward due to suicide attempt, my parents just pretended that the whole incident never happened.
I only get financial support, but I don't get emotional or helpful support from family or health system (not anymore since I can't afford it..and I don't want my parents to cover the high costs). Even when I did go see professionals, I felt as though they weren't knowledgeable about SA. They were trying to re-diagnose me with something else..something "easier" to treat. There is a special financial aid program for those with mental conditions in my area, but I need private insurance to qualify...what?! My sisters don't criticize me, but they don't really encourage me either. And I haven't made any local friends.
I don't think SA will ever have a great deal of publicity until they make a reality show out of it or there's a major story on the news: hoarders, strange addictions, celebrity rehab, bullying, school shootings, etc...