When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a scene of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, hospitals, and key utilities were leveled, leading to 32 fatalities and affecting an staggering 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple things can activate them,” Ifill states. “One woman spoke of a wheeled bin we often move through the corridors, whose clatter sounded like splintering trees and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to listening to that sound.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also impacted parts of Cuba, memories of the frightening storm continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now elicit trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event triggered a massive recovery package valued at up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an additional payment of $150 million from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. However, experts warn this economic assistance cannot cover the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas most attention centers on physical reconstruction, research over the past three years indicate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders grows substantially after major storms and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now advocating for the inclusion of mental health support into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Researchers emphasize how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study flagged a significant risk of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Additional analysis documented comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter three primary psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in disaster studies, agrees. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors showed greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy states that while some early progress in mental health may occur within a year of the event, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors recover depends heavily on the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts see that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the emotional challenge to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional impact, physical problems persist. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of clean water. Monetary relief, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Vital Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery does not address the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Research indicates that survivors often find community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, local people support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the value of social bonds in coping with disaster. She says she was “moved by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also commends initiatives to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended curating news intake, trusting verified sources, 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 intensifying climate emergency. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for mental health response.
International bodies have released practical guides to train responders in offering emotional aid in the wake of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to foster community and personal strength by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Economic aid are also highlighted as fundamental for protecting mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, stresses the frustration that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we never got compensation,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Healing
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to prevent prolonged suffering.
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