When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a scene of widespread ruin. Homes, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were leveled, causing 32 fatalities and impacting an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the material damage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Everyday occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “One woman described a wheeled bin we often push through the passageways, whose clatter sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to listening to that sound.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds 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 prompt stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Beyond Financial Losses
This disaster triggered a significant aid package valued at billions of dollars over three years and an further disbursement of $150 million from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. But, authorities note this monetary aid cannot cover the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—notably among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
Although the lion's share of effort targets rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the past three years indicate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows substantially after major storms and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now advocating for the inclusion of mental health support into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Academics stress how prolonged homelessness, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care amplify mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a clear threat of severe mental health issues after extreme weather. Another study found similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, echoes this view. She points out that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
These experts found that women showed higher mental distress than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in mental health is often seen within a year, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors recover hinges on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts observe that the being rendered homeless and possessions can heighten the mental struggle to recover. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her patients: “People who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the emotional impact, physical challenges persist. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Essential Pillar
Critically is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Studies shows that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more immediate than government assistance.
“State support is important,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is slow, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of mutual support in coping with disaster. She recalls being “struck by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
She further praises steps to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
A Growing International Focus
In recent years, psychosocial care has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has catalyzed the development of tools for trauma support.
Regional institutions have released comprehensive manuals to assist responders in providing psychosocial support in the immediate period of disasters. These projects aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Financial aid are also highlighted as key for protecting emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a similar event, highlights the despair that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “They came... But to this date, we were not granted the promised help,” he recounts.
A Plea for Integrated Rebuilding
Analysts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to avoid chronic psychological damage.
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