When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a picture of widespread ruin. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were leveled, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple things can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient mentioned a wheeled bin we often roll through the corridors, whose sound evoked memories of breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted eastern Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now cause panic among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Financial Losses
The catastrophic event led to a significant aid package worth up to $6.7 billion over several years and an extra payment of $150m from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. Yet, specialists caution this economic assistance does not address the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas most attention targets rebuilding infrastructure, academic work over the recent years show that the probability of severe anxiety disorders increases markedly after climate disasters and displacement. Mental health professionals are now calling for the inclusion of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Researchers stress how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and poor access to care worsen emotional distress. A recent regional study warned of a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Further research documented similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience several key psychological hurdles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in disaster studies, agrees. She notes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an major issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
These experts found that female survivors reported more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in psychological state may occur within a year, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts note that the being rendered homeless and possessions can intensify the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her clients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have reported it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the mental impact, tangible issues remain. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, hampering the full return of water services. Insurance payouts, while helpful, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Social Networks as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Expert analysis shows that survivors often find community support to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is important,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of social bonds in coping with disaster. She says she was “impressed by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also acknowledges efforts to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”
An Expanding International Focus
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has become a higher priority from global organizations due to the escalating climate emergency. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.
International bodies have developed comprehensive manuals to help responders in offering psychological care in the aftermath of catastrophes. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Financial aid are also identified as key for preserving mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, stresses the hopelessness that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “They came... But even now, we never got the promised help,” he says.
A Call for Holistic Recovery
Analysts note that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed critical to prevent enduring trauma.
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