When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a picture of widespread ruin. Dwellings, hospitals, and vital systems were destroyed, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “A patient spoke of a wheeled bin we often roll through the passageways, whose noise reminded her of breaking wood and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to hearing that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also affected parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now elicit trauma responses among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Financial Losses
The catastrophic event resulted in a significant aid package worth up to up to $6.7bn over three years and an additional payout of $150 million from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. Yet, specialists caution this economic assistance does not address the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas most attention is directed toward restoring buildings, studies over the recent years indicate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders increases substantially after climate disasters and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into national recovery strategies across the region.
Increased Risks: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Academics highlight how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study warned of a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Further research found parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face a trio of emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, echoes this view. She observes that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—even though comprehensive data is not widely available.
The researchers found that women reported greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in well-being may occur within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis are still unclear. The extent to which survivors recover hinges on the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts note that the destruction of property and possessions can heighten the mental struggle to start over. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
Apart from the emotional damage, tangible problems persist. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, slowing the full return of clean water. Insurance payouts, while crucial, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Critical Lifeline
A key finding is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Expert analysis indicates that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more responsive than bureaucratic help.
“State support is important,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill notes the value of mutual support in coping with disaster. She says she was “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges efforts to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was limiting social media, following official updates, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Recently, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the worsening climate crisis. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for trauma support.
Regional institutions have developed comprehensive manuals to help field workers in providing psychosocial support in the immediate period of catastrophes. These projects aim to build community and personal strength by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Economic support are also highlighted as key for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, emphasizes the despair that arises when promised compensation is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we were not granted the promised help,” he states.
An Appeal for Holistic Healing
Analysts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet bears extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent enduring trauma.
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