Self-Help

How do I know if I need help?

This is a difficult question to answer.  One way to know is if you are having physical or emotional symptoms that make it hard to function well in your daily life.  Another is that you seem unable to put your traumatic experience behind you no matter how hard you try.  Or, the only way you can cope is through unhealthy habits (alcohol, drugs, food, bad relationships, etc.). Or something has happened in your life that’s brought it all back.  Maybe you don’t think you need help, but people close to you keep saying you do.

There’s a lot of information on our site about how different traumatic experiences can affect people.  As you go through it, you might recognize yourself.  If you do, or think you might want to get help from us, see Requesting Treatment.  If you don’t live or work in our area, click on Hotlines or Links for help in your area.

A Guide to Mental Health Concerns for Victims of Violent Crime
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Have You Lived Through a Very Scary and Dangerous Event?
National Institute of Health

Mind/Body Health: The Effects of Traumatic Stress
American Psychological Association

Acute Stress: Reactions after a Traumatic Experience
Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists

Traumatic Grief
Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists

Drinking to Reduce Stress
National Center for PTSD

A Recovering Woman’s Guide to Coping with Childhood Abuse
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

How to find help through psychotherapy
American Psychological Association

Strategies for controlling your anger
American Psychological Association

Common Longer-Term Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions
Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists

Coping with a Traumatic Event
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

A Recovering Man’s Guide to Coping with Childhood Abuse
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

How to Deal with Grief
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: Managing your stress.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services