Malala Yousafzai on ‘reliving the Taliban attack flashbacks’ and how therapy saved her: ‘It was terrifying, seeing the gunman…’

The scars don’t fade so easily, as the 28-year-old social activist pointed out. “I thought I had forgotten…but that night I thought maybe I had seen it all. It was terrifying, seeing the gunman and just feeling so helpless… and after that, I started getting panic attacks, anxiety, and it was months later that I considered therapy… and it was only when a friend suggested that I see a therapist. She reminded me that it is common in college for kids to get therapy…,” Malala continued.

Like Malala, many people struggle to overcome past fears for various reasons.

Here’s why their past fears resurface

According to Delhi-based consultant psychiatrist Dr Suyash V. Shendye, “Trauma leaves deep marks on both the mind and body. Sometimes, a random smell, sound, or even alcohol or drugs can bring back those old emotions. The brain senses danger again, triggering fear or stress as if the event is happening now. Substances can also lower emotional guards, letting hidden pain or memories surface unexpectedly.”

As a result of these experiences, a person may avoid certain people or places, feel on edge, or be emotionally numb, added Dr Shendye. “Trouble sleeping, muscle tension, or mood swings long after the event can also signal that old wounds haven’t fully healed.”

Reiterating the same, behaviour strategist Vivek Vashist explained that trauma can silently live in the body, how therapy reawakens the brain’s ability to heal, and why proper recovery comes not just from medication, but from learning to trust safety again.

 

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What signs indicate that someone might be experiencing post-traumatic stress or anxiety?

Dr Shendye explained that symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, or constant irritability are common clues. “Sometimes the body begins to live from reflex instead of reflection. There may be overreactions, panic attacks, as in Malala’s case, that we can’t explain. Moments of zoning out mid-conversation, or feeling as if we’re watching life happen from a little distance. The body remains tense even in safe situations.“

It’s situations like these that call for therapy. On a friend’s request, Malala chose to revive from the “unaddressed part of her recovery from the Taliban attack.”   

“I saw it as just surgeries and medication, but I never considered it as part of the recovery. I feel like this was an unaddressed part of my recovery from the Taliban attack,” she revealed in the interview.

How did therapy help her?

As Malala shared, therapy helped her work on her “unaddressed” fears; likewise, people who are healing from past trauma resort to treatment as a way out.  “Our brains are neuroplastic, which means they keep on growing and absorbing information. It continually builds neural networks to make better decisions. Neuroplasticity means that, even after years of reacting the same way, the mind can learn a new pattern. Therapy helps when it reminds the brain that it can still change,” elaborated Vashist. 

In Dr Sheynde’s opinion, “Therapy works wonders.  Mechanisms like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) calm both mind and body. They help people safely process painful memories, challenge negative thoughts, and regain control. Research shows the benefits often last for years, helping survivors feel grounded and empowered again,” he concluded.