When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a picture of utter destruction. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and key utilities were destroyed, leading to 32 fatalities and impacting an approximate 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Commonplace sounds can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual spoke of a wheeled bin we often roll through the halls, whose clatter evoked memories of cracking branches and the roaring storm. She has become averse to hearing that auditory reminder.”
A month and a half after the hurricane, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of rain can now prompt trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Economic Reconstruction
This disaster triggered a substantial aid package totaling billions of dollars over a three-year period and an additional disbursement of $150 million from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. Yet, specialists caution this economic assistance does not address the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—notably among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort centers on restoring buildings, research over the last several years indicate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders increases markedly after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the inclusion of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study warned of a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Another study recorded comparable fear, anxiety, and distress among people affected by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience several key mental health challenges: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that extensive research is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors showed more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in well-being may occur within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors heal is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts note that the being rendered homeless and possessions can heighten the psychological burden to recover. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill observes 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 psychological impact, practical challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of clean water. Insurance payouts, while crucial, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Critical Foundation
Critically is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors commonly experience social networks to be more effective than official aid.
“Official action is essential,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of social bonds in navigating hardship. She recalls being “impressed by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends steps to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
In recent years, mental health has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has led to the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have developed practical guides to help responders in offering psychological care in the wake of disasters. These initiatives aim to build individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Financial resources are also identified as crucial for protecting psychological recovery. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, stresses the despair that arises when official support never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we did not receive any payment,” he says.
A Plea for Integrated Rebuilding
Experts argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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