When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a picture of utter destruction. Residences, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple sounds can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “An individual mentioned a trolley we often roll through the passageways, whose sound evoked memories of cracking branches and the howling wind. She now refuses to listening to that sound.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now elicit stress reactions among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
This disaster led to a significant recovery package valued at up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an additional payment of $150 million from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. Yet, specialists caution this monetary aid does not address the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.
Although the primary focus centers on restoring buildings, studies over the past three years demonstrate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases markedly after climate disasters and forced relocation. Experts are now urging the incorporation of mental health support into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.
Layered Struggles: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Scholars emphasize how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support worsen mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a clear threat of severe mental health issues after extreme weather. Another study recorded similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, agrees. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is not widely available.
These experts found that women showed greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “This suggests women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in well-being can happen within a year, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors recover hinges on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts see that the loss of homes and livelihoods can magnify the psychological burden to recover. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill sees the identical trend among her clients: “Those who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
In addition to the mental toll, physical issues persist. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of potable water. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Critical Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by permanent disabilities. Expert analysis indicates that survivors often find social networks to be more effective than official aid.
“Official action is important,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, communities support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the power of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She says she was “moved by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to encourage emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing International Focus
In recent years, psychosocial care has received more focus from world bodies due to the escalating climate crisis. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have developed detailed resources to train responders in delivering emotional aid in the immediate period of traumatic events. These efforts aim to foster individual and social resilience by building capacity, reducing shame, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Economic aid are also identified as fundamental for protecting mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, emphasizes the frustration that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we did not receive any payment,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of global emissions yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to avoid enduring trauma.
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