When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a landscape of catastrophic damage. Residences, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, leading to 32 deaths and impacting an estimated 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday occurrences can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “One woman spoke of a cart we often move through the passageways, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to listening to that auditory reminder.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also struck neighboring 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 a downpour can now cause panic among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Financial Losses
This disaster led to a massive aid package totaling $6.7 billion over three years and an further payout of millions from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. Yet, specialists caution this financial relief fails to account for the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort centers on physical reconstruction, research over the past three years indicate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Loss and Mental Health
Scholars stress how long-term dislocation, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services amplify emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Another study recorded similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in risk reduction, agrees. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women experienced more severe emotional impact than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in mental health is often seen within a year, the lasting effects are still unclear. The extent to which survivors recover depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the mental struggle to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her clients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have reported it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
In addition to the psychological damage, practical issues persist. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of potable water. Financial aid, while crucial, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Vital Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Expert analysis consistently finds that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, neighbors keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the power of mutual support in coping with disaster. She says she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among resilient populations. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further acknowledges efforts to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “The guidance included reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Recently, psychological support has received more focus from world bodies due to the intensifying climate crisis. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for mental health response.
Regional institutions have published practical guides to train responders in delivering psychological care in the immediate period of catastrophes. These efforts aim to foster psychological fortitude by building capacity, combating stigma, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Economic resources are also underlined as key for preserving mental health. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, stresses the frustration that arises when official support never arrives. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we did not receive compensation,” he states.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Healing
Experts note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed critical to avoid chronic psychological damage.
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