Fear After the Flashpoint

“Terrorism seeks to kill the few and frighten the many.”

— Winston Churchill

Humans crave safety, which is not just physical protection, but emotional assurance that life is stable and predictable. A terrorist attack violently disrupts that belief, shaking us out of our comfort zone and creating a deep sense of unrest.

The impact of such events, like a bomb blast that occurred recently near the Red Fort in New Delhi, extends far beyond the blast radius. The psychological repercussions depend on how directly one is exposed, yet the emotional shock often ripples through the entire country, amplified by news cycles, survivor stories, and social media.

When fear overtakes normalcy, terrorism wins twice. First through physical violence, then by conquering the human mind.

Psychological repercussions by the level of proximity to the exposure:

First-Hand Witnesses (Direct Exposure)

Those physically present at the site, survivors, bystanders, and first responders may experience trauma with all their senses and often remain the most affected.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): A short-term but intense response that can appear within days, marked by panic, dissociation, flashbacks, and disturbed sleep. If symptoms persist beyond a month, it may evolve into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition documented among terror survivors even years later.

Core Symptoms of PTSD:

Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories.

Avoidance: Avoiding the site, crowds, or loud sounds.

Hyperarousal: Being constantly on alert, insomnia, irritability.

Negative Cognitions: Persistent beliefs such as “The world is unsafe” or “I can’t trust anyone.”

Their fundamental sense of safety is often shattered. Trauma lives not just in memory but also in the body, resurfacing as tension, sleeplessness, or panic.

Media and Internet Consumers (Indirect Exposure)

Even without direct contact, repeated exposure to graphic videos, photos, or continuous news coverage can cause vicarious trauma due to a psychological echo of the original horror.

Secondary Traumatic Stress: Doomscrolling through distressing content can trigger anxiety, sleep issues, and intrusive imagery. Some people become emotionally numb or detached as a defence against overload.

Generalised Anxiety: The fear often spreads beyond the affected city to daily life in public transport, crowds, and travel. Studies confirm that heavy media exposure after terror attacks increases post-traumatic symptoms, even among those who were never present at the site.

Core Shift: A lasting loss of control and heightened sense of vulnerability in thoughts like “If it can happen there, it can happen anywhere.”.

Social Fallout: Cynicism and Uncertainty

Large-scale violence often fuels mistrust, prejudice, and anger toward certain groups. Over time, this collective anxiety erodes empathy and creates divisions, which is exactly what terrorism aims to achieve.

Practical ways to reclaim your calm in the chaos:

1. Limit Exposure, Regain Control

Mindful Media Use: Get verified updates from credible sources; avoid replaying graphic footage. Once informed, log off.

Focus on What You Can Control: You can’t stop terrorism, but you can improve preparedness, know exits, have an emergency plan, and learn first aid.

2. Care for Body and Mind

Rebuild Routine: Regular meals, work, and exercise restore stability.

Connect:. Share feelings with friends, family, or a counsellor. Silence worsens fear; expression eases it.

3. Stay Aware, Not Afraid

Practice Awareness, Not Paranoia: Observe your surroundings without obsession.

Challenge Catastrophic Thoughts: Replace “everywhere is unsafe” with “I’ll stay alert but not imprisoned by fear.”

Trust Intuition: If something feels off, step away calmly and report it.