Mental health discussion

So this decision has been a long time coming ... I have wanted to speak to a therapist for about a decade because I want to be proactive in my mental health. I’ve had some experiences/ issues that I want to work through but it’s not an emergency situation.

It has, however, been difficult taking the steps to get there. Admitting we need support is difficult. First I needed a referral from my doctor so I can submit it to my insurance company. When I finally called my doctor and asked for one, she didn’t make it very easy. I understand they have to go through some questions, but I have been asked these before and I am able to make it seem like I don’t really need the services. No I don’t have suicidal thoughts, yes I have motivation, I exercise, see my friends/ family, take care of myself, etc. I felt like I had to convince her that I needed the support.

I think when we ask for mental health support, there should be no questions asked. It’s sometimes a difficult conversation to dredge up over and over WHY we need the help. I am sure people don’t get the support they need because this phone call is too difficult/ anxiety inducing.

I went to her office and she didn’t even write up the referral... instead she wrote me a referral for birth control (which we were discussing as well, but that I would get back to her about). It was very clear that she didn’t listen to me and wasn’t concerned with my needs.

Finally I got the referral and I was ready to take the next step to contact a psychologist from the mps.ca website.

I contacted the first one and no reply. Discouraging. I contacted another, she replied and from her tone I could tell she was gently suggesting I keep looking because the wait is 2-3 months. I contacted a third who straight up told me she was full. I told the second one to put me on the waiting list because I’ve waited 10 years, what’s three more months ?

My deduction from this is, why is it so difficult to be proactive about our mental health ?? Why do I have to break down and make it an emergency situation before I can get some support ?

I am not looking for advice, I am honestly okay but I just think it’s a sad state of affairs that my doctor made it a such difficult conversation to ask for help and my attempts to find somebody have been troubling. I think this is a worthy discussion to have.