For many survivors of abusive relationships, it may feel like a huge step forward when their abuser is finally held accountable for their actions.

But as the Diddy trial continues, experts are urging people not to glorify the legal proceedings, which they say can retraumatize victims.

The multi-million dollar lawsuit that rapper Sean Combs, aka Diddy, is facing from his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his child, has captivated many. For some, the trial in which Missiles is detailing her experience with alleged abuse at the hands of the music mogul brought a sense of relief knowing that someone in a position of power is being held accountable.

But licensed therapist Dr Courtney Akerman said while that may be true, it's important to remember that there are real people with real feelings going through a very public event that is being sensationalized.

"It's important for us to acknowledge this because there's a lot of survivors who are watching this and we don't want to contribute to more trauma," she told USA Today. "We want to make sure that we're not inadvertently causing harm by glorifying the trial itself."

According to the American Psychiatric Association, post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. 

And while PTSD is commonly associated with combat and first responders, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM 5, which is the handbook used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders, recognizes that PTSD can affect anyone who experiences a traumatic event.

Clinical psychologist Dr Joy Harden Bradford said that while some may think of PTSD as an immediate reaction, it's important to note that the onset of symptoms can be delayed.

"Sometimes the person has to experience something that reminds them of the initial trauma before the symptoms come up," she said. "So maybe there's some trigger in the environment or something that reminds them of the original traumatic event, and then they will start having symptoms."

Bradford likens it to a tight rubber band. The rubber band is being stretched and eventually it snaps. She explained that the trauma is still there and it takes up space. It occupies a part of your mind and your body that nothing else can occupy. So if you try to ignore it or push it down, it doesn't go away. It festers and grows until it has nowhere else to go and then it comes out in a way that you wouldn't expect.

Both Dr Ackermann and Dr Bradford say that while the trial may seem like a form of justice, it's important to recognize that it could also be triggering for some.

"I think it's important to recognize that just because something's happening publicly doesn't mean that we don't need to take the same precautions," Dr Ackermann said. "Being triggered by media coverage of these events is a normal response to an abnormal situation. And so the situations are not okay, but your response is."

Dr Bradford agrees. She says it's important to check in with yourself when something like this happens and to remember that if you are triggered by it, that's a normal response to an abnormal event.

Here are some things that experts recommend if you find yourself in that position.

* **Take a break from social media and other forms of news.** Give yourself permission to not have to watch or listen to anything about the trial if it's too triggering for you. Your mental health is more important than keeping up with what's trending online.

* **Practice self-care.** Make sure you're eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising. These things may seem cliche, but they help put you in the right head space to deal with whatever it is you're facing.

* **Talk to someone you trust.** Reach out to a friend, family member or mental health professional if you're struggling to cope. Talking about your feelings can help you process them and move forward.

* **Be patient with yourself.** Healing from trauma takes time. There will be good days and bad days. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to heal.

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, please reach out for help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-799-7233. You can also get help by texting LOVEIS to 22522. 

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, RAINN, is also available 24/7. Their hotline is 800-656-4673. You can also reach out to them via their online chat at RAINN.org.