Psychological Impact and Resilience After the Pahalgam Terror Attack 

On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, shook the nation. Armed terrorists opened fire on tourists, resulting in 26 fatalities and injuring over 20 others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. Among the deceased were civilians from various parts of India and two foreign nationals. The Indian government responded swiftly, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the attack and announcing measures to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security forces launched immediate operations and announced financial aid for the victims’ families (The New Indian Express, 2025). 

While the physical devastation was immediately visible, the psychological impact on survivors, families, and the broader community is equally profound. Terror attacks leave enduring emotional scars that extend far beyond the scene of violence. Understanding the mental health consequences is essential for fostering healing and rebuilding resilient communities. 

Trauma and Grief: The Immediate and Long-Term Psychological Impact 

Survivors and bereaved families often experience overwhelming psychological distress following terrorist incidents. Initial reactions typically include shock, disbelief, fear, and emotional numbness. These acute stress responses are normal and expected in the aftermath of extreme trauma (Rigutto, Sapara, & Agyapong, 2021). 

In the long term, a significant proportion of survivors may develop psychiatric disorders. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is among the most common outcomes. Intrusive memories, hyperarousal, avoidance behaviours, and emotional numbing characterise PTSD. Research indicates that the prevalence of PTSD following terror attacks can range from 10% to 40%, depending on factors such as proximity to the event, personal loss, and access to psychological support (Rigutto et al., 2021). 

In addition to PTSD, individuals may also develop Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and complicated grief. Complicated grief involves persistent longing for the deceased, emotional pain, and difficulty accepting the loss. Families of those killed, particularly spouses, parents, and children, are at heightened risk. 

Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to trauma following terror attacks. Exposure to violence at a young age can lead to developmental disruptions, emotional dysregulation, and future mental health problems if not addressed promptly (Rigutto et al., 2021). 

Recognising symptoms early and seeking professional support are critical steps in the recovery process. Normalising emotional distress while encouraging help-seeking behaviours can significantly mitigate the long-term psychological impact.

Collective Trauma and Communal Mental Health after the Terror Attack

Beyond individual suffering, terror attacks inflict collective trauma on communities. Collective trauma refers to the psychological impact shared by a group of people who have experienced a devastating event, affecting their collective identity and social cohesion (Hirschberger, 2018). After attacks like the one in Pahalgam, fear, insecurity, and mistrust permeate the affected communities. Public spaces once associated with leisure and joy, such as tourist destinations, become symbols of danger and vulnerability. Communities may experience heightened anxiety, ethnic tensions, and societal polarisation as they struggle to make sense of the violence (Hirschberger, 2018). 

Collective trauma also affects memory and narrative construction. Societies may develop a shared identity centred around victimhood or resilience, influencing intergenerational transmission of trauma. In regions already grappling with political instability, such as Jammu and Kashmir, terror attacks reinforce existing insecurities and contribute to the perpetuation of a cycle of fear. 

Supporting community-level resilience is essential for recovery. Collective rituals, remembrance ceremonies, and fostering solidarity help communities reclaim their sense of safety and belonging. Strengthening social support networks is crucial to counteracting the divisive effects of collective trauma. 

Finding Ways to Heal 

In the aftermath of mass violence, coping mechanisms play a vital role in individual and collective recovery. Research highlights several evidence-based strategies that promote healing after trauma. 

At the individual level, Hobfoll et al. (2007) propose five essential elements for effective mass trauma intervention: promoting a sense of safety, calming, self-efficacy, connectedness, and hope. Encouraging individuals to re-establish daily routines, engage in relaxation practices, and maintain social connections helps restore a sense of normalcy and emotional stability. 

Emotion-focused coping strategies, such as seeking social support, expressing emotions through writing or talking, and practising mindfulness, are beneficial in mitigating trauma-related distress (Wollebæk, Enjolras, & Strømsnes, 2022). Cognitive coping strategies, such as reframing negative thoughts and focusing on problem-solving, also contribute to resilience. 

At the community level, building trauma-resilient communities is essential. Community outreach programs, group counselling sessions, and support networks foster a shared sense of purpose and collective healing (Pfefferbaum et al., 2017). Trauma-informed education, cultural sensitivity, and engaging local leaders are key elements of effective community coping initiatives. 

However, barriers to coping persist. Stigma around mental health, limited access to psychological services, and media-induced retraumatisation can hinder recovery.

Encouraging open conversations about mental health, normalising emotional reactions, and providing accessible support services are critical steps in facilitating coping. At an individual level, you are also encouraged to take practical steps to protect your mental health during times of collective trauma: 

1. Limit exposure to graphic media coverage.
2. Maintain daily routines, including regular meals and sleep. 
3. Stay connected with trusted friends and family. 
4. Engage in physical activity or creative outlets. 
5. Seek professional help if distress persists beyond a few weeks. 

These simple but vital actions can promote emotional resilience and help prevent long-term psychological difficulties. 

Role of Mental Health Professionals 

Mental health professionals play a crucial role in responding to the psychological aftermath of mass violence. Their interventions span the immediate, short-term, and long-term phases of recovery. 

In the immediate aftermath, psychological first aid is the recommended approach. It involves providing emotional support, ensuring safety, addressing basic needs, and helping individuals connect to resources (SAMHSA, 2004). Psychological first aid is non-intrusive, practical, and focuses on reducing initial distress while promoting adaptive functioning. 

Read More: How to Provide Psychological First Aid? 

Crisis counselling programs, as outlined in the SAMHSA Training Manual, aim to normalise stress reactions, educate survivors about coping strategies, and offer referrals for more intensive mental health services when necessary (SAMHSA, 2004). Rapid assessments help identify individuals at risk for developing severe psychological conditions, ensuring timely intervention. 

In the medium to long term, mental health professionals provide evidence-based therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) for individuals with PTSD and related disorders. Group therapy, peer support programs, and psychoeducation sessions help survivors process their experiences collectively. 

At the community level, mental health professionals collaborate with community leaders to design culturally sensitive interventions that address the unique needs of affected populations. Disaster psychiatry emphasises integrating mental health into broader disaster response plans, ensuring that psychological support is not an afterthought but a core component of recovery efforts (Foa, Keane, & Friedman, 2000). 

Challenges persist, particularly in regions with limited mental health infrastructure. Strengthening community mental health systems, training local providers in trauma-informed care, and investing in public mental health initiatives are critical to addressing these gaps. 

Seeking psychological support should be normalised and encouraged. Mental health professionals are not only healers of individual trauma but also fosterers of communal resilience. 

Conclusion 

The Pahalgam terror attack is a stark reminder that violence inflicts wounds far deeper than the physical. Survivors, families, and entire communities carry the emotional burden of such tragedies long after the headlines fade. Understanding the psychological aftermath is essential for fostering healing, resilience, and hope.

Immediate and long-term psychological support can significantly reduce the impact of trauma. At the individual level, acknowledging distress, maintaining support systems, and seeking help are crucial steps. At the community level, fostering collective resilience through solidarity, remembrance, and trauma-informed initiatives strengthens the social fabric. Mental health professionals play a pivotal role in guiding recovery, providing support, and advocating for integrated mental health responses to mass violence. 

Recovery from trauma is a gradual process. It involves periods of progress and challenges, and requires sustained support and resilience. Healing does not mean forgetting the experiences of violence, but working toward rebuilding strength and restoring a sense of safety within individuals and communities.