When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a landscape of widespread ruin. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and key utilities were leveled, causing 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace sounds can activate them,” Ifill explains. “An individual mentioned a cart we often push through the corridors, whose clatter reminded her of splintering trees and the roaring storm. She now refuses to experiencing that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected neighboring Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of rain can now elicit panic among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
The catastrophic event resulted in a substantial aid package valued at up to $6.7bn over several years and an further disbursement of $150 million from a pioneering catastrophe bond. But, authorities note this financial relief fails to account for the unseen cost: widespread trauma—especially among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
While most attention targets physical reconstruction, academic work over the last several years indicate that the risk of severe anxiety disorders grows markedly after hurricanes and displacement. Researchers are now urging the incorporation of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Researchers stress how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support exacerbate mental health risks. A recent regional study identified a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Another study documented parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face three primary mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, concurs. She notes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an major issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
The researchers found that women affected showed more severe emotional impact than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in well-being may occur within a year, the ultimate prognosis remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors recover hinges on the specific triggers and the care they receive.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and livelihoods can magnify the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill sees the parallel situation among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
Apart from the psychological impact, physical problems continue. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of water services. Insurance payouts, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Critical Lifeline
Critically is that rebuilding alone does not address the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research indicates that survivors frequently report social networks to be more immediate than official aid.
“State support is important,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, communities support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the power of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She says she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among resilient populations. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises efforts to support emotional well-being after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, sticking to reliable news, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
Over the past decade, mental health has received more focus from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have released detailed resources to train aid personnel in delivering psychosocial support in the wake of disasters. These initiatives aim to strengthen community and personal strength by building capacity, promoting openness, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Financial aid are also underlined as fundamental for protecting mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, emphasizes the despair that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Officials visited... But even now, we were not granted any payment,” he states.
A Call for Integrated Healing
Experts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to avoid enduring trauma.
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