When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on October 28th with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a landscape of widespread ruin. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were severely compromised, causing 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill states. “One woman described a wheeled bin we often push through the corridors, whose sound sounded like breaking wood and the howling wind. She has become averse to hearing that sound.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories of the frightening storm continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now elicit panic among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Billions in Damage
This disaster triggered a massive financial package valued at billions of dollars over three years and an further payout of millions from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this monetary aid fails to account for the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
While the primary focus centers on physical reconstruction, studies over the last several years indicate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders rises markedly after major storms and losing one's home. Experts are now advocating for the incorporation of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Insecurity and Mental Health
Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article identified a heightened danger of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Further research documented similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter several key emotional obstacles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, concurs. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that female survivors reported greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in well-being may occur within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors recover is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts observe that the being rendered homeless and livelihoods can heighten the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her patients: “Those who had pre-existing mental health challenges have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
In addition to the mental toll, tangible challenges remain. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of clean water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Critical Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery does not address the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis consistently finds that survivors often find community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“State support is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill notes the value of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She notes she was “moved by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges efforts to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”
A Growing Global Recognition
In recent years, psychological support has received more focus from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for mental health response.
Major health organizations have developed detailed resources to train responders in providing psychosocial support in the immediate period of disasters. These efforts aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, combating stigma, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Financial aid are also underlined as key for safeguarding psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, emphasizes the frustration that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he recounts.
A Plea for Holistic Rebuilding
Analysts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of global emissions yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to avoid enduring trauma.
“The current situation and our built environment do not match|cor
