When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a landscape of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, medical facilities, and vital systems were leveled, causing 32 deaths and affecting an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple occurrences can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “One woman mentioned a cart we often push through the passageways, whose clatter evoked memories of splintering trees and the fierce gales. She has become averse to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted neighboring Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now elicit trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event triggered a massive recovery package worth up to $6.7 billion over a three-year period and an additional disbursement of $150 million from a pioneering risk financing tool. But, authorities note this financial relief does not address the psychological cost: widespread trauma—notably among those still recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus centers on rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the recent years show that the likelihood of PTSD increases significantly after hurricanes and losing one's home. Mental health professionals are now urging the incorporation of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Loss and Mental Health
Scholars stress how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support amplify emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Another study found parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face several key emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, echoes this view. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
The researchers found that female survivors reported more severe emotional impact than men. “This suggests women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in well-being can happen within a year, the lasting effects are still unclear. The degree to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts see that the loss of homes and resources can magnify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Those who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Apart from the psychological toll, tangible challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of water services. Monetary relief, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.
Social Networks as a Vital Lifeline
A key finding is that material recovery does not address the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.
“State support is crucial,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill notes the strength of social bonds in coping with disaster. She recalls being “struck by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also praises efforts to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
An Expanding Global Recognition
Recently, mental health has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has led to the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.
International bodies have released detailed resources to train responders in providing emotional aid in the immediate period of disasters. These initiatives aim to foster individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Monetary aid are also identified as key for safeguarding psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, emphasizes the frustration that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we were not granted the promised help,” he recounts.
A Call for Integrated Healing
Experts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent prolonged suffering.
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