When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a landscape of catastrophic damage. Homes, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, resulting in 32 fatalities and impacting an approximate 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 enduring psychological scars.
“Commonplace sounds can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “One woman spoke of a cart we often move through the passageways, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the fierce gales. She now refuses to hearing that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted neighboring Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event 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 prompt stress reactions among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a massive aid package worth up to billions of dollars over a three-year period and an further payment of $150m from a innovative disaster insurance instrument. However, specialists caution this economic assistance fails to account for the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—notably among those previously affected from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward physical reconstruction, studies over the recent years demonstrate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders rises markedly after major storms and forced relocation. Experts are now calling for the inclusion of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers emphasize how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support amplify emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Additional analysis recorded comparable psychological turmoil among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face three primary emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the frequency of disasters increases, mental health is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that extensive research is still lacking.
These experts found that female survivors showed higher mental distress than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in psychological state can happen within a year of the event, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the specific triggers and the resources accessible.
The experts note that the destruction of property and possessions can magnify the emotional challenge to recover. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own emotional tax,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have noticed it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
Apart from the psychological damage, practical issues persist. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Social Networks as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the emotional wounds caused by life-altering injuries. Studies indicates that survivors frequently report social networks to be more responsive than official aid.
“Official action is important,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill notes the value of mutual support in coping with disaster. She recalls being “impressed by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further commends steps to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
A Growing International Focus
Over the past decade, psychological support has received more focus from global organizations due to the intensifying planetary changes. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has prompted the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have released practical guides to train responders in delivering psychosocial support in the aftermath of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to build community and personal strength by building capacity, reducing shame, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Economic support are also identified as crucial for preserving mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, highlights the hopelessness that arises when official support fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted compensation,” he states.
A Plea for Integrated Healing
Experts argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of planetary pollution yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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