Schedule an appointment with a licensed mental health professional, primary care doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist
Describe the traumatic event or events you experienced
Explain your symptoms clearly, including how long they have lasted
Share how symptoms affect your daily life, work, relationships, and sleep
Be honest about nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, anxiety, numbness, irritability, and hypervigilance
Provide any history of mental health conditions, substance use, or prior treatment
Ask for a PTSD evaluation using DSM-5 criteria
Complete any screening questionnaires or interviews the clinician gives you
Follow up if symptoms continue and ask whether PTSD or another condition fits best
Seek urgent help if you have thoughts of self-harm or feel unsafe