When is it Time to Start Using a Wheelchair? Need Advice!

How did you know it was time to start using a wheelchair? My entire life I've been in pain pushing myself past my limits to do daily things or just see my friends. I thought just a walking stick could be a good option but when I think about it I realise for short distances maybe but realistically I csnt stand or walk too long before starting to sway and feeling like I'm walking on a tightrope. My mum who is funnily enough a nurse is very against the idea of me using mobility aids but my lack of them is killing my social life. I cannot regularly attend college or take the stairs up to class or even see my friends without being in tons and tons of pain for the next 2-4 days. At 17 I want a social life and for seeing people to not be something that destroys me but I have no clue where to start or if I'm even eligible for a wheelchair. I also struggle with the idea maybe I'm not "sick enough" for a wheelchair. That I'm not in "enough pain" to warrant one but in the long term it's hurting my physical and mental health. It's so embarrassing to be the one in the group slowing everyone else down when we go out or the one who can't stop complaining of the pain. I just want to feel like I can live my life without exhausting and causing excess pain to myself. Any tips?