When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a picture of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, hospitals, and key utilities were leveled, leading to 32 deaths and impacting an estimated 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Everyday things can activate them,” Ifill notes. “A patient mentioned a trolley we often move through the corridors, whose sound evoked memories of splintering trees and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to experiencing that auditory reminder.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now elicit trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Beyond Billions in Damage
This disaster triggered a significant financial package totaling billions of dollars over several years and an additional disbursement of $150m from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, authorities note this monetary aid cannot cover the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—notably among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.
Although most attention is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, academic work over the last several years show that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases substantially after major storms and forced relocation. Researchers are now calling for the integration of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Academics highlight how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care exacerbate mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Another study documented similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face three primary psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—although extensive research is often insufficient.
These experts found that women showed greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in psychological state is often seen within a year, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors heal hinges on the specific triggers and the care they receive.
The experts note that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the emotional challenge to start over. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Starting again comes with its own emotional tax,” she adds.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her patients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the mental toll, physical challenges persist. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of clean water. Financial aid, while crucial, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Vital Foundation
Critically is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Expert analysis indicates that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more responsive than official aid.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of community solidarity in coping with disaster. She says she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”
She further acknowledges efforts to support emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing International Focus
In recent years, mental health has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the escalating climate emergency. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has led to the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
International bodies have published comprehensive manuals to help responders in providing emotional aid in the aftermath of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build individual and social resilience by training professionals, promoting openness, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Financial support are also highlighted as key for preserving emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, stresses the hopelessness that arises when official support is not delivered. “They came... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he states.
A Call for Holistic Rebuilding
Analysts note that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of global emissions yet bears disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to mitigate enduring trauma.
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