No matter how major or minor your traumatic experience was, you might benefit from professional help from a counselor. As we all react differently to these types of events, it is important not to compare yourself to other people, even if they went through the same experience. By getting help as soon as you need it, you will be giving yourself the best chance to overcome any issues and move on with your life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above and they are persisting for weeks or even months, be sure to seek help.

It is especially important to get help if you experience any of the following:

- You feel unable to function in day-to-day life.

- You are unable to form or maintain relationships.

- You are self-medicating with drugs and/or alcohol.

- You are experiencing severe flashbacks.

- You feel emotionally numb.

- You are suffering from an anxiety/stress disorder due to trauma.