If getting to the appointment frightened you, then you have already done the first hard thing. Walking in and talking to a stranger about yourself is the ladder, not the preparation for it.

What the research says

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that shame about being seen as mentally unwell, particularly the stigma a person turns on themselves, was associated with being less likely to seek help, though the pooled effects were modest. A further review of ninety seven studies found minority communities often carried higher public and self stigma, with worry about how the family would be seen forming part of the burden. Against that, getting yourself through the door is not a small act.

Strength of evidence: one line of research. A single study, or a theoretical account.