When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a landscape of catastrophic damage. Residences, hospitals, and key utilities were leveled, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple things can provoke them,” Ifill states. “One woman mentioned a cart we often move through the halls, whose sound sounded like cracking branches and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to experiencing that sound.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted eastern Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now elicit panic among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a substantial recovery package worth up to billions of dollars over several years and an extra payout of $150 million from a innovative risk financing tool. Yet, experts warn this economic assistance fails to account for the invisible cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
While most attention is directed toward physical reconstruction, academic work over the last several years indicate that the probability of PTSD rises substantially after climate disasters and forced relocation. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers highlight how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article flagged a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Another study found similar psychological turmoil among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She points out that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
These experts found that women affected reported greater psychological suffering than men. “This suggests women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in mental health may occur within a year, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The likelihood to which survivors recover hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.
The experts see that the loss of homes and resources can heighten the psychological burden to recover. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her clients: “People who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”
In addition to the psychological toll, practical challenges remain. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of water services. Financial aid, while crucial, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Vital Pillar
A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Research indicates that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more immediate than government assistance.
“State support is essential,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, neighbors provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “moved by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges initiatives to support mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the dangers of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
In recent years, mental health has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the intensifying climate crisis. The growing regularity of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of frameworks for mental health response.
Regional institutions have released practical guides to help responders in offering emotional aid in the aftermath of disasters. These projects aim to build community and personal strength by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Financial aid are also identified as crucial for safeguarding mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, stresses the despair that arises when official support fails to materialize. “They came... But up to this day, we were not granted compensation,” he recounts.
A Call for Holistic Healing
Leaders note that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to mitigate enduring trauma.
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