Good luck with your meds. The stigma lies in the word...mental. It really should be brain illness, since it is in your brain, and that is NOTHING to be ashamed of.
Chemical imbalances in the brain are real, and taking a medication for it is no different than a diabetic taking insulin.
It is just a body organ that is in need of balancing the neurotransmitters.
IMHO, family should be aware because they are sometimes contributing factors, and they NEED to understand, rather than criticize. I would provide them literature to help them understand.
Tell them to attend a NAMI meeting for families, they will get support themselves and see that it is real and they are not alone.
I have panic attacks, been on meds for it, lowest possible dose, and it does indeed help.
You cannot meditate your panic away either, as many therapists try to get you to do. It helps but does not take the unexpected panic attacks away.
Keep on truckin' there Bomber, it will get better.
* and frankly, I think the board has plenty of company with brain illness *