I remember reading something about self defense, good self defense actually starts prior to something happening (eg its not when the punch has been thrown it starts much earlier).
I always try to make sure a situation never escalates to a dangerous point.
If you have any worries etc seeing a proffesional is probably one of the best things you can do, i did for a while, it was a great experience and i learned a lot and it helped shaped me today.
Sadly most of the time a lot of people lable themselves as having something wrong with them and refuse to go.
Only good can come out of it, you will become a better person and learn to see things from different perspectives.
All the best