When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a landscape of widespread ruin. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were severely compromised, leading to 32 fatalities and impacting an estimated 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace things can activate them,” Ifill explains. “One woman described a cart we often move through the corridors, whose sound sounded like cracking branches and the roaring storm. She now refuses to experiencing that sound.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted parts of Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now elicit panic among survivors.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a substantial aid package valued at billions of dollars over several years and an extra disbursement of $150m from a innovative risk financing tool. But, specialists caution this monetary aid cannot cover the invisible cost: widespread trauma—notably among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although most attention targets restoring buildings, academic work over the recent years indicate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rises significantly after climate disasters and losing one's home. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Researchers highlight how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services exacerbate emotional distress. A recent regional study warned of a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Another study recorded parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face a trio of emotional obstacles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She notes that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors showed higher mental distress than men. “This suggests women are more psychologically vulnerable than males in such catastrophes,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in mental health may occur within a year of the event, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors heal hinges on the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts note that the destruction of property and resources can magnify the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her clients: “Those who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
In addition to the emotional impact, physical challenges persist. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, hampering the full return of clean water. Monetary relief, while necessary, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Vital Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research indicates that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She notes she was “struck by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further commends initiatives to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
Recently, mental health has become a higher priority from world bodies due to the intensifying climate crisis. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has prompted the development of frameworks for mental health response.
Regional institutions have developed practical guides to assist responders in delivering psychosocial support in the wake of disasters. These initiatives aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by training professionals, combating stigma, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Economic support are also highlighted as crucial for safeguarding emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, highlights the despair that arises when official support fails to materialize. “They came... But up to this day, we never got the promised help,” he says.
An Appeal for Integrated Rebuilding
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of global emissions yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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