When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on the 28th of October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a landscape of utter destruction. Homes, healthcare centers, and vital systems were leveled, causing 32 deaths and impacting an staggering 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace things can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “A patient mentioned a trolley we often push through the halls, whose sound evoked memories of cracking branches and the fierce gales. She now refuses to hearing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to haunt some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now cause trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Financial Losses
The catastrophic event triggered a massive financial package totaling $6.7 billion over three years and an further disbursement of millions from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. Yet, authorities note this financial relief does not address the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although the primary focus targets rebuilding infrastructure, research over the recent years show that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders rises significantly after major storms and forced relocation. Experts are now calling for the incorporation of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Layered Struggles: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article flagged a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Further research recorded similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter several key psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that extensive research is often insufficient.
These experts found that women affected showed greater psychological suffering than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in psychological state may occur within a year, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors recover depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts observe that the loss of homes and resources can heighten the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her clients: “People who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
In addition to the emotional damage, tangible issues remain. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of water services. Financial aid, while helpful, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Social Support as a Essential Foundation
A key finding is that rebuilding alone does not address the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Research indicates that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more responsive than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is essential,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the value of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She says she was “struck by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends steps to support emotional well-being after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of constant exposure to traumatic media. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from international agencies due to the worsening climate emergency. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have released detailed resources to help field workers in providing psychosocial support in the immediate period of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to foster individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Monetary support are also highlighted as crucial for protecting emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, emphasizes the frustration that arises when official support fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But to this date, we never got the promised help,” he states.
A Plea for Comprehensive Recovery
Experts observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet bears disastrous climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed critical to avoid prolonged suffering.
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