When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of utter destruction. Residences, healthcare centers, and vital systems were leveled, resulting in 32 fatalities and affecting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple occurrences can activate them,” Ifill notes. “An individual spoke of a cart we often roll through the halls, whose noise reminded her of splintering trees and the fierce gales. She now refuses to experiencing that sound.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted parts of Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to haunt many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of rain can now elicit trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a substantial aid package worth up to $6.7 billion over several years and an extra payment of millions from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. But, experts warn this economic assistance cannot cover the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus is directed toward restoring buildings, research over the recent years demonstrate that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rises substantially after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now urging the incorporation of mental health support into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Academics highlight how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study flagged a significant risk of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Additional analysis recorded parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face several key mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in risk reduction, concurs. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though comprehensive data is not widely available.
The researchers found that women affected experienced greater psychological suffering than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in psychological state is often seen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors heal hinges on the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts note that the loss of homes and livelihoods can magnify the emotional challenge to recover. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional damage, practical issues persist. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, delaying the full return of clean water. Financial aid, while helpful, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Essential Lifeline
Critically is that material recovery fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Studies consistently finds that survivors often find social networks to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the value of social bonds in navigating hardship. She recalls being “impressed by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”
Ifill also praises efforts to support mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
An Expanding International Focus
Over the past decade, mental health has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the escalating climate emergency. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has catalyzed the development of guidelines for mental health response.
International bodies have released detailed resources to assist responders in delivering psychosocial support in the aftermath of catastrophes. These efforts aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and promoting the seeking of professional help.
Financial resources are also identified as crucial for protecting mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, stresses the despair that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “They came... But even now, we never got the promised help,” he says.
An Appeal for Holistic Rebuilding
Leaders note that the Caribbean region accounts for a minuscule fraction of planetary pollution yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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