So... I've been thinking about maybe seeking out mental health care, when I realized that I don't actually know what that entails, exactly. Like, I've seen people talk to therapists on TV, and I'm pretty sure I can safely assume that it's nothing like that (literally everyone that has any expertise in any field that I've heard says "it's nothing like on TV", so I can't imagine this would be any different).
So that leaves the question, what is it, and how am I supposed to access it?
I'm just going to have to admit here (to my own embarrassment) that I have literally no experience with non-emergency healthcare. If I have a non-emergency medical issue that I want looked after I usually either just leave it or I create an emergency (cut myself deep enough to need stitches or break a finger) and casually mention it to the doctor that ends up treating me.
I'd rather not have to do this (for obvious reasons), but I don't know what the "official channels" are for these things, so I'm stuck as to how to move forward.
Also, it basically has to be on Sunday. I work for my parents, and I really don't want to involve them, but since I work 8-6, Monday to Saturday, it can't be within those hours, or I'll have to ask for time off work.
Also, what actually happens? I've only talked to a professional once (well, several times, but it was the same guy and all part of the same... "experience") when I was committed to a psych ward after a suicide attempt, and that mostly revolved around evaluations and having stuff like my legal rights explained to me. Basically just ensuring I was fit enough to leave. But they also handled stuff like scheduling and medication, which I don't know how I'm supposed to do. Also, I imagine "real" mental healthcare is more... "long term" oriented. So does that mean I'll have to talk to multiple different people? What are we supposed to talk about? Basically, what actually happens?