🔗 Share this article

When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a scene of catastrophic damage. Homes, hospitals, and vital systems were leveled, causing 32 fatalities 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 paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.

“Everyday things can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “One woman spoke of a wheeled bin we often roll through the halls, whose noise sounded like splintering trees and the howling wind. She now refuses to experiencing that sound.”

A month and a half after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to haunt many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now elicit stress reactions among those who lived through it.

The Hidden Toll Alongside Financial Losses

This disaster resulted in a massive aid package valued at billions of dollars over three years and an additional payout of millions from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. But, specialists caution this economic assistance does not address the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—notably among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.

Although the lion's share of effort is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, academic work over the past three years indicate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders grows markedly after climate disasters and losing one's home. Mental health professionals are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.

Increased Risks: Displacement and Psychological Well-being

Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support worsen mental health risks. A recent regional study flagged a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Another study recorded comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived other hurricanes.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face three primary mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She notes that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, mental health is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.

These experts found that women affected showed more severe emotional impact than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.

The Uncertain Path to Recovery

Dr. Heanoy states that while some early progress in psychological state is often seen within a year, the lasting effects can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors bounce back hinges on the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.

The experts see that the loss of homes and livelihoods can heighten the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.

Ifill sees the identical trend among her clients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”

In addition to the mental impact, practical challenges remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of potable water. Financial aid, while necessary, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.

Grassroots Support as a Vital Foundation

Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery cannot heal the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Research shows that survivors often find social networks to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.

“The government’s role is important,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, local people provide mutual aid.”

Ifill similarly praises the value of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “moved by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”

She further praises efforts to support psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was limiting social media, following official updates, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”

An Expanding Regional Priority

Recently, mental health has received more focus from international agencies due to the escalating climate emergency. The growing regularity of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.

International bodies have released detailed resources to train aid personnel in providing psychological care in the aftermath of catastrophes. These projects aim to build community and personal strength by training professionals, promoting openness, and facilitating the use of mental health services.

Economic resources are also identified as key for preserving emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a similar event, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted compensation,” he says.

A Call for Comprehensive Healing

Analysts observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to avoid enduring trauma.

“Our reality and our systems do not match|cor