When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a picture of utter destruction. Homes, medical facilities, and key utilities were leveled, resulting in 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace things can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “One woman spoke of a trolley we often move through the halls, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the howling wind. She no longer wants to listening to that auditory reminder.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also impacted parts of Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now prompt stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Financial Losses
The catastrophic event triggered a substantial aid package worth up to up to $6.7bn over several years and an additional disbursement of $150 million from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, authorities note this monetary aid cannot cover the invisible cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although the primary focus centers on rebuilding infrastructure, academic work over the last several years demonstrate that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases significantly after major storms and displacement. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Mental Health
Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, destroyed jobs, and poor access to care amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Additional analysis found parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face a trio of mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, echoes this view. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though extensive research is often insufficient.
These experts found that women showed greater psychological suffering than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in psychological state is often seen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors heal depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts note that the loss of homes and resources can intensify the emotional challenge to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own emotional tax,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her clients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have found it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
Beyond the psychological impact, physical challenges continue. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, hampering the full return of potable water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Vital Foundation
Critically is that material recovery does not address the emotional wounds caused by life-altering injuries. Research indicates that survivors often find community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, local people support one another.”
Ifill similarly praises the strength of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises efforts to support psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “The guidance included curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
In recent years, psychological support has received more focus from international agencies due to the intensifying climate emergency. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for mental health response.
Major health organizations have developed comprehensive manuals to help aid personnel in providing psychological care in the immediate period of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build community and personal strength by building capacity, reducing shame, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Financial aid are also identified as crucial for safeguarding mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, emphasizes the despair that arises when official support fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we were not granted the promised help,” he states.
An Appeal for Holistic Healing
Experts argue that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of global emissions yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to avoid chronic psychological damage.
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