OUR society is resilient, showing a remarkable ability to rebound after every traumatic event. But when markets, universities, banks and schools become the targets of bomb attacks, attention is naturally drawn to the men, women and children who are directly traumatised by these violent attacks. While efficient medical care is their priority need, it is increasingly recognised that interventional support is equally important to help victims and their families develop vital coping skills to deal with the emotional fallout of trauma. Preliminary studies here and elsewhere have established that a majority of survivors of bomb blasts suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The need to help trauma survivors psychologically was acknowledged at the first International Conference on Psychotrauma held in Islamabad last year.

Recently, a major public hospital in Islamabad established a psychological support unit to help trauma victims return to their daily life and routine. Apart from trauma victims and their families, others who can benefit from such facilities include paramedics, rescue personnel and others associated with trauma incidents by virtue of their occupation.

The fact that many children in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi area still dare not attend school after the spate of bomb attacks last month is indicative of the need to help students build resilience and manage stress. This can be done through appropriate intervention within the school system to provide a sense of safety in the school setting. Beyond schools, resilience promotion within the community in general is also crucial. For instance, showing progress in trauma victims’ recovery and reports of individual strengths and resourcefulness of victims can serve as positive reinforcement. Reports guiding people on how to handle traumatic events can also help prevent fear from permeating into the psyche of people and empower them against those who are out to create fear, unrest and turmoil.