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When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a scene of widespread ruin. Dwellings, medical facilities, and key utilities were destroyed, leading to 32 deaths and impacting an staggering 1.5 million people. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.

“Commonplace occurrences can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual mentioned a trolley we often move through the halls, whose noise evoked memories of splintering trees and the fierce gales. She now refuses to listening to that sound.”

A month and a half after the hurricane, which also struck parts of Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to trouble many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now prompt trauma responses among survivors.

The Unseen Cost Amidst Billions in Damage

This disaster triggered a massive recovery package valued at up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra disbursement of $150m from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this monetary aid cannot cover the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.

While the primary focus centers on physical reconstruction, academic work over the recent years demonstrate that the risk of PTSD grows substantially after major storms and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now advocating for the incorporation of mental health support into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.

Layered Struggles: Insecurity and Emotional Stability

Academics stress how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study warned of a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Additional analysis recorded similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by previous storms.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, agrees. She notes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.

The researchers found that women showed more severe emotional impact than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.

The Uncertain Path to Healing

Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in well-being may occur within a year, the lasting effects are still unclear. The degree to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the specific triggers and the care they receive.

The experts note that the loss of homes and resources can intensify the mental struggle to recover. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.

Ifill sees the same pattern among her those seeking help: “People who had pre-existing mental health challenges have found it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”

Beyond the psychological toll, practical problems persist. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of water services. Monetary relief, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.

Social Support as a Critical Lifeline

Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis shows that survivors commonly experience community support to be more responsive than official aid.

“The government’s role is important,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is slow, communities support one another.”

Ifill similarly praises the power of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”

Additionally, she acknowledges initiatives to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “The guidance included curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”

An Increasing International Focus

Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from global organizations due to the worsening climate crisis. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has prompted the development of tools for mental health response.

Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to train field workers in delivering psychosocial support in the wake of disasters. These efforts aim to foster community and personal strength by building capacity, combating stigma, and promoting the use of mental health services.

Monetary aid are also highlighted as key for safeguarding psychological recovery. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a previous flood, highlights the despair that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Officials visited... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he recounts.

An Appeal for Comprehensive Healing

Experts note 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 mitigate enduring trauma.

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