The mass shooting that struck New York City in July 2025 left more than physical devastation- it tore through the emotional core of the city. As news broke and sirens echoed across boroughs, countless lives were instantly changed. For survivors, witnesses, families, and even those watching from afar, the psychological impact has been profound. In the days and weeks since, many are grappling with feelings of fear, helplessness, grief, and a shaken sense of safety in their everyday lives. Read our blog “How Does Grief Affect Your Identity?”.
Trauma from events like these does not fade just because the headlines do. It lingers in unexpected moments, such as loud noises, crowded spaces, or the quiet isolation of sleepless nights. Whether you were directly affected or emotionally impacted from a distance, this post explores what trauma can look like, why it is normal to feel disoriented or overwhelmed, and how to begin taking small but meaningful steps toward healing. You are not alone and your pain is valid.
Anchor Therapy is a counseling center in Hoboken, NJ with mental health therapists specialized in helping children, teens, adults, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, and more. Anchor Therapy is accepting new clients and is now providing in-person sessions and teletherapy sessions to residents of New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
What are the emotional and psychological symptoms of trauma after a mass shooting?
Experiencing or even witnessing the aftermath of a mass shooting, whether directly involved or nearby, can lead to deep emotional and psychological trauma. These events shatter a person's sense of safety and control, often triggering intense and unpredictable reactions. While everyone's experience is different, there are common psychological responses that survivors, witnesses, and even community members may face in the days, weeks, or months that follow.
Common emotional and psychological symptoms of trauma:
Anxiety or panic attacks:
Sudden feelings of fear or dread, sometimes without a clear trigger (Check out our blog “How To Manage A Panic Attack”)
Hypervigilance:
Constantly feeling on edge, scanning for danger
Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts:
Vivid memories or mental images that are hard to control (Read our blog “6 Ways To Handle Intrusive Thoughts”)
Emotional numbness or detachment:
Feeling disconnected from others or one's own emotions (View our blog “How to Regulate Your Emotions”)
Irritability or anger:
Mood swings, low frustration tolerance, or sudden outbursts (View our blog “The Most Important Things You Need to Know About Anger Management”)
Depression:
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest in daily life (Read our blog “4 Ways to Naturally Treat Depression”)
Sleep disturbances:
Nightmares, insomnia, or frequent waking (Check out our blog “How CBT Can Help With Your Insomnia”)
Guilt or shame:
Especially survivor’s guilt, even for those not physically harmed
Difficulty concentrating:
Trouble focusing, remembering things, or completing tasks
Avoidance behaviors:
Steering clear of places, people, or conversations that remind you of the event
These reactions are not signs of weakness. In fact, they are normal responses to an overwhelming experience. However, if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, it is important to seek help from a licensed trauma therapist. Early support from a mental health professional at Anchor Therapy, community groups, or trauma-informed services can make a meaningful difference in the healing process. You are not alone and healing is possible- even when it feels far away.
How does trauma typically manifest?
Trauma can manifest in a wide range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, many of which may appear immediately after a distressing event like a mass shooting, or surface weeks or months later. It is not always dramatic or visible. For some, trauma shows up as emotional overwhelm, intense fear, or recurring panic. For others, it may take the form of emotional numbness, withdrawal from loved ones, or an inability to feel joy. Cognitive effects might include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or difficulty concentrating, which can interfere with work, school, or daily decision-making.
Physically, trauma can take a toll on the body as well. People may experience chronic fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares, are especially common. These physical symptoms often stem from the body remaining in a heightened state of stress, even after the danger has passed. Trauma also frequently alters how people relate to the world around them, shifting their sense of safety and control. The way trauma manifests varies person to person, but what is consistent is that it impacts the whole self- mind, body, and behavior- and needs to be addressed with compassion and care.
How did the July 28 Midtown Manhattan mass shooting impact survivors and the wider NYC community?
The July 28 mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan left deep emotional scars on survivors and those who witnessed the violence firsthand. Office workers, security staff, and bystanders who narrowly escaped described intense fear, disorientation, and lingering trauma in the days that followed. Many have since reported symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Families of the victims were also devastated, as the sudden and violent nature of the event shattered their sense of safety and stability.
The wider NYC community felt the impact almost immediately. The tragedy raised serious concerns about security in commercial buildings and sparked a wave of fear among office workers returning to high-rise buildings in Midtown. Many companies reevaluated their safety protocols and emergency response plans, while employees questioned whether their workplaces were truly secure. Public grief was visible through vigils, memorials, and increased civic engagement, with residents and leaders alike calling for stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In response, city officials urged New Yorkers to take care of their mental health, emphasizing the availability of support resources. At Anchor Therapy, we are located in downtown Hoboken, New Jersey and offer both virtual and in-person therapy options to New York residents. Our team specializes in trauma-informed care, helping individuals process the emotional aftermath of violent events like the July 28 shooting. Whether you were directly involved, nearby, or are struggling with secondhand trauma, we provide a safe, compassionate space to begin healing. No one has to go through this alone, and support is just across the river or a video call away! Read our blog “Does Online Therapy Work for Trauma and PTSD?”.
Is it “normal” to feel guilt, fear, or shame after the NYC shooting if you were not there?
Yes, it is entirely normal to feel guilt, fear, or shame after a traumatic event like the NYC mass shooting, even if you were not physically present. This emotional response is sometimes referred to as “survivor guilt” or “vicarious trauma.” People may question why they feel so deeply affected when others endured far worse, leading to internal conflict or shame. But trauma does not require proximity to be real. Seeing images on the news, hearing survivor stories, or imagining loved ones in harm’s way can all evoke a deep emotional response that is valid and meaningful.
Fear is also a common reaction, especially in a city like New York where so many people work, commute, and gather in crowded public spaces. Even if you were not at the scene, the attack may have triggered a loss of psychological safety, leading to hypervigilance, anxiety in crowds, or avoidance of public places. These feelings reflect the mind’s natural attempt to stay safe after being reminded that danger can strike unexpectedly, anywhere.
What are signs of secondary trauma?
Emotional exhaustion or feeling drained
Increased anxiety or constant worry
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
Irritability or mood swings
Feeling detached or numb
Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to others’ trauma
Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness
Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach issues
Feeling overwhelmed or helpless
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Heightened startle response or hypervigilance
Avoidance of people, places, or conversations that remind you of the trauma
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of guilt or shame
Social withdrawal or isolation
Feeling shame about your own emotional response is also normal, but it can be damaging if left unacknowledged. It is important to remember that comparing pain does not diminish it. If the NYC shooting left you feeling shaken, anxious, or guilty, those are legitimate emotional injuries. Processing these feelings with a trauma psychotherapist can help reduce self-blame and offer tools to rebuild a sense of safety. Healing does not require that you justify your pain- it only requires that you give yourself permission to feel it.
How do survivors deal with returning to routines, especially offices near the scene?
Returning to daily routines after a mass shooting, especially for survivors and workers near the scene, can be an overwhelming and complex process. The familiar spaces where people once felt safe may suddenly feel threatening or unsafe. For many, the physical act of going back to the office triggers intense emotions- fear, anxiety, and even panic- making it difficult to focus or feel comfortable. Survivors often struggle with the memories of the event replaying in their minds, and everyday sounds or sights can serve as painful reminders, heightening stress and hypervigilance.
To cope with these challenges, many survivors find it helpful to take gradual steps in resuming their routines. This might mean starting with shorter workdays or working remotely before fully returning to the office. Establishing small routines within the workplace- like taking breaks, having a safe space to retreat to, or connecting with supportive colleagues- can provide a sense of control and comfort. Employers can play a critical role by offering flexible schedules, clear communication about security measures, and access to mental health resources. Creating an environment where employees feel heard and supported helps rebuild trust and safety.
Mental health support is often a key part of managing the transition back. Therapy- whether individual, group, in-person, or virtual- can provide survivors with tools to process trauma, manage anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Some may benefit from trauma-focused approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy which are designed to reduce the intensity of trauma-related memories. Check out our blogs “Everything You Need to Know About CBT for PTSD” and “EMDR in a Nutshell.” Peer support groups also offer a sense of community and shared understanding, reminding survivors they are not alone in their experience.
Ultimately, returning to routines after a traumatic event is a deeply personal journey without a set timeline. Healing looks different for everyone, and survivors need to honor their own pace and needs. Whether that means taking one day at a time, leaning on professional support, or advocating for workplace accommodations, the goal is to regain a sense of safety and normalcy.
How can friends, family, and employers support someone affected by the Midtown shooting?
Supporting someone affected by the Midtown shooting requires empathy, patience, and an understanding that trauma can manifest in many different ways. Friends and family can start by simply being present. This means listening without judgment, offering emotional reassurance, and avoiding pressure to “move on.” Survivors may not want to talk right away, or they might share details in fragments. Respecting their pace and showing consistent care helps build a sense of safety. Small gestures, such as checking in regularly, helping with daily tasks, or just being a calm presence, can make a significant difference.
Employers have a unique responsibility to create trauma-informed work environments, especially for employees who were near the scene or are struggling emotionally. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, encouraging the use of mental health days, and clearly communicating what support is available, such as access to therapy through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Managers should avoid assuming everything is back to normal and instead foster a culture where it is okay to ask for help. Providing physical spaces for quiet breaks, allowing remote work, or facilitating group check-ins can ease the transition back to routine.
Above all, it is important to understand that healing is not linear. Someone may appear fine one day and be overwhelmed the next. Friends, family, and employers should avoid minimizing the survivor’s experience or comparing it to others. Instead, validate their feelings and remind them that their reactions are normal given what they have experienced. Encouraging professional support can also offer survivors tools to process their emotions and reclaim a sense of control. Compassionate, nonjudgmental support from loved ones and employers can be a powerful part of that journey!
Healing from the trauma of the July 2025 Midtown Manhattan shooting will take time, and there is no one “right” way to cope. Whether you were directly impacted, nearby, or emotionally affected from a distance, your experience is valid and support is available. At Anchor Therapy, we are here to help you navigate the emotional aftermath with compassion and care, offering both in-person and virtual therapy options tailored to your needs. You do not have to carry the weight of trauma alone.
Victoria Scala
is the Social Media Manager, Intake Coordinator, and Community Engagement Director at Anchor Therapy in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is a graduate of the Honors College of Rutgers University-Newark and is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the graduate level. In her roles, Victoria is committed to managing the office’s social media/community presence and prioritizing clients' needs.
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