When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a scene of widespread ruin. Dwellings, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were leveled, causing 32 fatalities and affecting an estimated 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace sounds can activate them,” Ifill states. “A patient spoke of a cart we often move through the corridors, whose noise reminded her of splintering trees and the roaring storm. She now refuses to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted eastern Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to haunt some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now cause trauma responses among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
This disaster triggered a massive aid package valued at billions of dollars over three years and an additional payout of millions from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. But, experts warn this monetary aid cannot cover the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus is directed toward restoring buildings, research over the last several years indicate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders rises markedly after major storms and displacement. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across Caribbean nations.
Layered Struggles: Loss and Emotional Stability
Researchers stress how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study flagged a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Further research documented similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face three primary mental health challenges: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is not widely available.
These experts found that women affected reported greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in psychological state may occur within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The extent to which survivors recover hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts note that the destruction of property and livelihoods can intensify the psychological burden to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her patients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the mental damage, tangible challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of clean water. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Critical Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Research consistently finds that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more effective than official aid.
“State support is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill notes the power of community solidarity in coping with disaster. She recalls being “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they share laughter about the storm.”
Additionally, she praises initiatives to encourage emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the dangers of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was limiting social media, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding Global Recognition
Over the past decade, mental health has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has led to the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to assist responders in providing psychological care in the wake of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build community and personal strength by training professionals, reducing shame, and promoting the seeking of professional help.
Economic aid are also identified as crucial for preserving mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, highlights the despair that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “They came... But even now, we never got any payment,” he recounts.
A Call for Integrated Healing
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent prolonged suffering.
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