Mumbai: The blast in Delhi near Red Fort, which reportedly killed 13 people and left 20 injured, is being probed as a terror attack. The blast came on the heels of a recovery of around 3,000 kilograms of explosives from two residential buildings in Faridabad. This has not been the first incident; there have been many, several being sponsored by enemy nations. However, what one also needs to ask in the aftermath of such a devastating incident is the psychological impact of a bomb blast on affected individuals and their families.
The invisible scars
Bomb blasts leave behind more than debris and damaged streets; they leave psychological wounds that can last a lifetime. India has witnessed painful incidents over the years, such as the 1993 Mumbai blasts, the 2006 Mumbai local train explosions, the Hyderabad twin blasts of 2007, the Pune German Bakery blast in 2010, and the 2019 Pulwama attack. Each of these events shook the nation, but the deepest tremors were felt in the lives of survivors and families who continue to live with the memories.
For those who survive such blasts, the experience is overwhelming and disorienting. The loud explosion, the sight of injuries and destruction, and the chaos that follows become imprinted in the mind. Many survivors recall hearing the sound repeatedly in their sleep or while performing everyday tasks. They may find it difficult to return to locations that remind them of the incident, or even to enter crowded spaces. Ordinary life suddenly feels unsafe, and routines that once felt normal can become scary.
The families of victims face a different but equally painful struggle. The sudden loss of a loved one is emotionally shattering. There is no time to prepare, no warning, only an unexpected emptiness. Many families speak of unanswered questions, unfinished conversations, and plans interrupted forever. Grieving in such circumstances is complicated because the loss comes not from natural causes but from an act of violence. Feelings of sadness are often mixed with anger, confusion and disbelief.
Psychological conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression are common among survivors and families. Flashbacks, nightmares, panic episodes and emotional numbness can affect daily functioning. The mind tries to protect itself from overwhelming pain, but in doing so, it may disconnect from the world, relationships and even self-identity. Physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite and body pain often accompany emotional trauma.
Healing – a ray of hope
Social support plays a crucial role in healing. Relatives, friends and communities can help by offering patience, understanding and companionship. Listening without judgement can help survivors express emotions they may otherwise suppress. Small acts of care, such as sharing a meal, spending time together, and encouraging gentle routines, create a sense of safety and belonging.
Professional mental health support is equally essential. Counselling, trauma therapy, and support groups provide structured spaces where survivors can process their experiences. Techniques such as cognitive therapy, breathing exercises, grounding techniques and guided conversations help individuals cope with flashbacks and anxiety. Rehabilitation does not happen overnight; it requires time, compassion and consistency. What matters is the presence of support, not fast results.
Authorities and institutions also have responsibilities. Disaster response should not end with medical treatment and financial assistance. Psychological care must be integrated into relief programmes. Schools and workplaces affected by such incidents should conduct awareness sessions and offer access to counselling. Undoubtedly, law enforcement agencies have to work to prevent future attacks, but society must also make an effort to support those already affected.
Coping with trauma does not mean forgetting, and it does not mean pretending life is unchanged. It means learning to carry the memory while rebuilding the ability to move forward. Some survivors find strength in community work, awareness programmes or creative expression. Others find comfort in silence, spirituality or steady routines. Each person heals differently, and there is no right or wrong pace.
Compassion triumphs
Bomb blasts leave behind visible destruction, but the invisible emotional wounds are just as real. Recognising and addressing these wounds is essential for individual recovery and for the emotional health of society. Healing grows slowly, one conversation, one breath and one day at a time. Supporting survivors is not just kindness; it is a reminder that even in moments of darkness, humanity can choose compassion.
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Caption: New Delhi: A shoe lies on the road at the site of a car blast near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, in New Delhi, Monday, November 10, 2025. (IANS/Wasim Sarvar)
Inset: New Delhi: A car reportedly caught fire after a blast-like sound near Gate 1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station, close to the Red Fort, in New Delhi, Monday, November 10, 2025. (IANS/Video Grab)
