When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on October 28th with winds of 185mph, it left behind a landscape of utter destruction. Homes, healthcare centers, and key utilities were severely compromised, resulting in 32 fatalities and impacting an staggering 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple things can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “An individual described a wheeled bin we often push through the corridors, whose noise sounded like cracking branches and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also struck parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now cause trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
The catastrophic event led to a significant recovery package totaling up to $6.7bn over three years and an further payment of $150 million from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. However, specialists caution this financial relief fails to account for the unseen cost: widespread trauma—notably among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although the lion's share of effort centers on restoring buildings, studies over the recent years indicate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders rises markedly after climate disasters and forced relocation. Experts are now urging the inclusion of psychological care into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study identified a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Further research found similar psychological turmoil among people affected by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience several key mental health challenges: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, echoes this view. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although extensive research is still lacking.
These experts found that women showed higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in psychological state can happen within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors heal hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts see that the being rendered homeless and resources can heighten the mental struggle to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her those seeking help: “People who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
Apart from the emotional toll, tangible issues continue. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of water services. Financial aid, while helpful, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Cohesion as a Critical Pillar
Critically is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies indicates that survivors commonly experience social networks to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is slow, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “impressed by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, 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 advises about the dangers of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”
An Increasing International Focus
In recent years, mental health has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has led to the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have released comprehensive manuals to help responders in providing psychosocial support in the aftermath of disasters. These efforts aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by building capacity, combating stigma, and facilitating the seeking of professional help.
Economic support are also underlined as crucial for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, highlights the despair that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But even now, we were not granted any payment,” he says.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Leaders note that the Caribbean region accounts for a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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