When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a landscape of widespread ruin. Dwellings, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, leading to 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Everyday sounds can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual mentioned a cart we often push through the passageways, whose noise reminded her of cracking branches and the fierce gales. She now refuses to experiencing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the storm, which also struck parts of Cuba, recollections of the terrifying winds continue to haunt some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now prompt panic among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Financial Losses
This disaster led to a substantial financial package valued at $6.7 billion over three years and an additional payout of millions from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. Yet, experts warn this financial relief fails to account for the unseen cost: widespread trauma—especially among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Although the primary focus targets rebuilding infrastructure, research over the past three years show that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders increases substantially after major storms and losing one's home. Researchers are now urging the integration of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers stress how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support amplify mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis found similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face several key mental health challenges: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
These experts found that women affected reported greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in mental health can happen within a year, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors heal hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.
The experts note that the destruction of property and livelihoods can magnify the psychological burden to recover. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her patients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
In addition to the psychological damage, physical challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, delaying the full return of clean water. Financial aid, while helpful, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Social Support as a Critical Lifeline
A key finding is that rebuilding alone does not address the deep sorrow caused by permanent disabilities. Research shows that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more immediate than official aid.
“State support is crucial,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the strength of mutual support in navigating hardship. She notes she was “impressed by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to encourage emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of constant exposure to traumatic media. “I recommended reducing screen time, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
Recently, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of guidelines for mental health response.
Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to assist aid personnel in offering emotional aid in the immediate period of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to foster individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and promoting the seeking of professional help.
Monetary aid are also highlighted as fundamental for protecting emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, highlights the despair that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But even now, we never got compensation,” he states.
A Plea for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet bears extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to mitigate chronic psychological damage.
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