When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a picture of widespread ruin. Residences, hospitals, and vital systems were destroyed, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an staggering 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Everyday things can activate them,” Ifill explains. “One woman described a wheeled bin we often roll through the passageways, whose sound evoked memories of cracking branches and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to hearing that sound.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected eastern Cuba, memories of the frightening storm continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of falling rain can now cause trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Financial Losses
The catastrophic event triggered a substantial aid package valued at billions of dollars over several years and an extra payout of $150 million from a pioneering risk financing tool. Yet, specialists caution this monetary aid fails to account for the psychological cost: widespread trauma—especially among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort targets restoring buildings, studies over the past three years demonstrate that the risk of PTSD rises markedly after climate disasters and losing one's home. Experts are now urging the incorporation of mental health support into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support worsen mental health risks. A scholarly article flagged a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis documented parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter three primary mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She notes that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is not widely available.
The researchers found that women affected reported greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy states that while some early progress in well-being can happen within a year, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The extent to which survivors recover is largely determined by the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts see that the loss of homes and livelihoods can heighten the emotional challenge to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her patients: “People who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
In addition to the emotional damage, tangible problems continue. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Critical Lifeline
Critically is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Studies shows that survivors commonly experience social networks to be more effective than official aid.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of mutual support in coping with disaster. She says she was “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges initiatives to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding International Focus
Over the past decade, psychological support has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the worsening climate emergency. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has prompted the development of frameworks for mental health response.
Regional institutions have developed comprehensive manuals to help responders in delivering psychological care in the aftermath of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Monetary resources are also highlighted as key for safeguarding emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, stresses the hopelessness that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we never got any payment,” he says.
An Appeal for Integrated Healing
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region contributes a tiny fraction of global emissions yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to prevent enduring trauma.
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