When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it resulted in a scene of utter destruction. Dwellings, medical facilities, and key utilities were destroyed, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple occurrences can activate them,” Ifill explains. “One woman described a trolley we often move through the corridors, whose clatter reminded her of splintering trees and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to experiencing that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also impacted parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now prompt trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Financial Losses
This disaster led to a substantial aid package valued at up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an additional payment of $150m from a innovative catastrophe bond. Yet, authorities note this financial relief fails to account for the unseen cost: widespread trauma—especially among those still recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort centers on restoring buildings, academic work over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now calling for the integration of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care exacerbate mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a clear threat of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Further research found parallel psychological turmoil among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has examined disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience three primary mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, echoes this view. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although comprehensive data is still lacking.
The researchers found that women reported more severe emotional impact than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in well-being can happen within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors heal is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.
The experts note that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her patients: “Those who had mental health conditions before have noticed it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
Apart from the psychological impact, physical problems remain. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, delaying the full return of water services. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Essential Foundation
A key finding is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Research shows that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.
“Official action is essential,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill notes the power of mutual support in navigating hardship. She recalls being “moved by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further commends efforts to encourage mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has prompted the development of guidelines for mental health response.
Major health organizations have released comprehensive manuals to train aid personnel in offering psychosocial support in the aftermath of catastrophes. These projects aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Monetary resources are also highlighted as crucial for preserving psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, stresses the despair that arises when official support is not delivered. “They came... But to this date, we did not receive the promised help,” he states.
A Call for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Experts argue that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet bears extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to avoid prolonged suffering.
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