Hi PetaRina
Ok so your still in your early years, that's great, because your catching it near the start. Too many people just dismiss these times as normal growing up life changes stuff, but even that, can trigger other issues anyway.
Ok so your first step should be to choose either a councillor or a GP to try out, councillors may suggest but will not try and push medications, their more about methods of dealing with things and time away from everything. A GP will suggest medications and later down the track usually try and push them on you if your not getting better, however they can not force you to take them now can they.
Either option does not have to be permanent and requires a comfort factor, so if you don't feel like you get along with your councillor or GP, just pick another, don't leave it too long though as you generally have to re-go over your history/background.
Medication is a choice, it definitely does help some, but everyone is different and the root of everybody's issue is different. Some people get lucky and find the right med quite quickly, but I've known of people still trialling different ones 2 and a half years later and the wrong ones can have some pretty severe side effects...
Counselling, Psychologists & Psychiatrists are the lead helpers outside of medication, a GP will still accept you if your refusing medication but there really isn't much else they can do so they will try to refer you on to Psyches. If your lucky enough to get referred by a GP you can sometimes get sessions for as low as $5 instead of $100 $200 or more. Again everybody is different and like medication, counselling/coaching isn't for everyone.
Its all about finding out what is best for you and that requires a degree of trial and error.
Given your age I would personally this course of action:
1st Councillor - Talk about leading stressors and options etc
2nd GP - Talk about symptoms etc and request knowledge on medical options, Call your local surgery(GP) and Inquire if their is anyone there that is better suited for mental health and request an appointment with them, if not try your next closest one.
3rd Psyches - Whilst often a bit expensive they are generally better suited to mental health than your average GP, a Psychiatrist is there more to diagnose you and as such is usually a GPs first reference, if diagnoses is not a big issue, a Psychologist will basically examine and repair habits and thought processes.
Lastly - GP & Meds
