When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a picture of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and key utilities were destroyed, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an approximate 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple sounds can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “A patient spoke of a trolley we often roll through the corridors, whose sound evoked memories of cracking branches and the howling wind. She now refuses to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories 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 falling rain can now elicit panic among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event triggered a substantial aid package worth up to up to $6.7bn over three years and an additional disbursement of $150m from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, specialists caution this financial relief fails to account for the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
Although the primary focus centers on restoring buildings, studies over the past three years indicate that the risk of PTSD grows substantially after major storms and losing one's home. Mental health professionals are now urging the incorporation of mental health support into disaster response plans across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Academics emphasize how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services worsen emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Additional analysis documented comparable psychological turmoil among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter several key mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in risk reduction, concurs. She points out that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although extensive research is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected reported higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in mental health can happen within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors heal hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts see that the loss of homes and possessions can heighten the emotional challenge to start over. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill sees the parallel situation among her clients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Apart from the psychological damage, physical challenges remain. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of water services. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Cohesion as a Vital Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies indicates that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of social bonds in coping with disaster. She says she was “struck by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to support psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
A Growing Global Recognition
Over the past decade, mental health has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the intensifying climate crisis. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has prompted the development of tools for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have published practical guides to help aid personnel in providing emotional aid in the immediate period of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, reducing shame, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Financial support are also identified as fundamental for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a similar event, highlights the hopelessness that arises when official support fails to materialize. “They came... But to this date, we never got any payment,” he recounts.
A Plea for Comprehensive Recovery
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to prevent prolonged suffering.
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