When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a landscape of widespread ruin. Homes, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, resulting in 32 fatalities and impacting an approximate 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Everyday occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “An individual spoke of a wheeled bin we often push through the passageways, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She has become averse to hearing that auditory reminder.”
A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also struck parts of Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of rain can now prompt stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Billions in Damage
This disaster led to a massive financial package totaling billions of dollars over three years and an extra payment of millions from a pioneering catastrophe bond. But, specialists caution this financial relief does not address the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
While the lion's share of effort targets physical reconstruction, research over the recent years demonstrate that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows markedly after hurricanes and displacement. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across Caribbean nations.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study flagged a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after natural disasters. Additional analysis found comparable psychological turmoil among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in risk reduction, echoes this view. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an major issue—although extensive research is often insufficient.
These experts found that women reported higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in mental health is often seen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors bounce back hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts see that the loss of homes and livelihoods can heighten the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill sees the identical trend among her those seeking help: “Those who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Apart from the psychological damage, practical issues remain. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of clean water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Community Support as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research shows that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.
“Official action is essential,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, local people support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the value of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “struck by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the dangers of constant exposure to traumatic media. “I recommended reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to maintain social support.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Recently, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the intensifying climate emergency. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has prompted the development of guidelines for trauma support.
Regional institutions have developed practical guides to help responders in delivering psychological care in the immediate period of traumatic events. These efforts aim to strengthen community and personal strength by training professionals, reducing shame, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Economic support are also highlighted as crucial for preserving psychological recovery. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “They came... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he says.
A Call for Comprehensive Recovery
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to mitigate enduring trauma.
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