Wow that's a shame. The World Health Organization, I have heard, believes that Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Yes, here in Canada 🇨🇦 there is still stigma to some degree, but I am open about my illness to others in the hopes of educating them. I am not sure how your health care system works, but I would hope that your family doctor can help, including prescribing medications if required. i hope this helps 😇

It depends on where you are. In New Zealand, we have government fund facilities that can cover all aspects of care, from triage and assessment to providing counselling, support, treatment, etc. We can self-refer or go through a GP. Private, self-funded providers are also available.

There are a lot of criteria - but for me, I usually look for specialists who specialize in my particular diagnoses - I then narrow it down to convenience in terms of getting there - but the most important thing is chemistry - and you need to interview a provider to make sure of that - if you have insurance, then they might be able to help you - this site seems to have some connections as well

I am glad that the WHO was mentioned - psychological/psychiatric and medical go hand in hand, and a primary physician should be on the same page as the psychiatrist - but when prescribing these types of medications it is important to have a monitor of how they are affecting you - both physically and mentally

If you trust your GP, that's your first step. Your GP will either refer you to a professional or start you on a mild form of medication.