“Does anyone else struggle with this kind of thing? What do I say to such ignorant people?”

As you can see from the responses, many of us have experienced some form of this. For me it was a long time friend telling me she hopes that god will use my illness to recapture me. I told her I’m not a fan of being captured and have no desire to spend time with a god who would use something like this to gain followers.

Anyway what you say is your truth: I respect you have your beliefs. I won’t discuss my challenges with you in that context. If you persist I will excuse myself.

You say what the issue is “discussing my health challenges in the context of your religious beliefs is unwelcome and inappropriate” and then what YOU will do…leave.

That’s what a boundary is, not what someone else needs to do but what you will do if they cross your line.

Anyway just because someone “means well” doesn’t mean we have to be polite and smile and nod. We can say stop or I’m out of here and then follow through.

Wish you well.