Hi. I feel like I've been having issues with my mental health for years now. Each time I have a possible depressive episode, I end up telling myself that I'm faking it or I'm seeking attention. However, I'm finally taking a stand and saying to myself "I'm not okay. I need help."

So the question is, where do I start? I originally saw a therapist when I was in college, but I graduated a little while ago. Last night I was looking through my health insurance provider's list of doctors, but it felt so... overwhelming.

Should I keep searching on my own, or should I have my doctor refer me to a therapist (then later a psychiatrist)? I have an appointment for a routine checkup in about two weeks (for some reason it's taking almost a month to get in to my primary care physician) so I can mention it then.