When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of utter destruction. Dwellings, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were leveled, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an staggering 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple things can trigger them,” Ifill states. “One woman mentioned a wheeled bin we often roll through the corridors, whose noise sounded like splintering trees and the fierce gales. She has become averse to experiencing that auditory reminder.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also affected eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now prompt trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Economic Reconstruction
This disaster led to a substantial financial package worth up to up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an extra payment of $150 million from a pioneering risk financing tool. Yet, experts warn this financial relief cannot cover the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
While most attention targets restoring buildings, research over the recent years indicate that the risk of PTSD rises significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now calling for the inclusion of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Academics emphasize how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services exacerbate emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a clear threat of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Another study found comparable psychological turmoil among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face a trio of psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, echoes this view. She notes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although comprehensive data is not widely available.
The researchers found that women affected showed greater psychological suffering than men. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in psychological state can happen within a year of the event, the ultimate prognosis are still unclear. The extent to which survivors bounce back hinges on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts note that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the emotional challenge to recover. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her patients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the mental impact, practical problems remain. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of water services. Insurance payouts, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Vital Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors often find community support to be more responsive than government assistance.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, local people support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the power of social bonds in coping with disaster. She notes she was “struck by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to encourage mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was limiting social media, following official updates, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”
A Growing International Focus
Over the past decade, psychological support has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the escalating climate crisis. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for mental health response.
Major health organizations have published detailed resources to train responders in delivering psychological care in the immediate period of traumatic events. These efforts aim to strengthen community and personal strength by educating caregivers, reducing shame, and promoting the seeking of professional help.
Monetary aid are also underlined as key for preserving emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, highlights the despair that arises when promised compensation is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we did not receive compensation,” he recounts.
A Call for Integrated Healing
Experts observe that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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