When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a picture of catastrophic damage. Homes, hospitals, and vital systems were severely compromised, resulting in 32 deaths and affecting an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple sounds can provoke them,” Ifill states. “A patient mentioned a wheeled bin we often push through the halls, whose sound sounded like cracking branches and the roaring storm. She has become averse to listening to that sound.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted parts of Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now elicit panic among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Financial Losses
This disaster resulted in a significant financial package totaling $6.7 billion over three years and an extra disbursement of $150m from a innovative catastrophe bond. But, authorities note this monetary aid does not address the unseen cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those still recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus targets rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the recent years demonstrate that the probability of PTSD increases substantially after climate disasters and forced relocation. Experts are now advocating for the integration of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across Caribbean nations.
Layered Struggles: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Scholars stress how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Additional analysis found similar psychological turmoil among people affected by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter three primary mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, echoes this view. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors experienced greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in mental health can happen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors recover is largely determined by the specific triggers and the care they receive.
The experts see that the destruction of property and possessions can magnify the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when insurance or savings are lacking. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her patients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the mental toll, tangible issues persist. The hurricane wiped out critical water infrastructure, hampering the complete restoration of potable water. Financial aid, while crucial, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Community Support as a Vital Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by permanent disabilities. Expert analysis indicates that survivors commonly experience social networks to be more immediate than government assistance.
“State support is essential,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “moved by the resilient spirit” among resilient populations. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also acknowledges initiatives to support mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, sticking to reliable news, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding International Focus
In recent years, psychological support has become a higher priority from world bodies due to the worsening climate crisis. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has prompted the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to help responders in providing psychosocial support in the immediate period of disasters. These projects aim to build psychological fortitude by building capacity, promoting openness, and facilitating the seeking of professional help.
Economic support are also highlighted as key for protecting psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, emphasizes the frustration that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But up to this day, we never got any payment,” he says.
A Plea for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to mitigate chronic psychological damage.
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