When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a scene of utter destruction. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were severely compromised, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Commonplace things can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “An individual spoke of a trolley we often move through the halls, whose clatter sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She now refuses to hearing that sound.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also struck neighboring Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now cause trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Financial Losses
This disaster triggered a substantial recovery package worth up to up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an additional disbursement of millions from a innovative risk financing tool. But, experts warn this monetary aid does not address the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—notably among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort is directed toward physical reconstruction, studies over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of PTSD increases significantly after hurricanes and losing one's home. Experts are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across the region.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Mental Health
Academics stress how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care worsen mental health risks. A recent regional study warned of a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Further research recorded similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter several key psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, concurs. She points out that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is still lacking.
The researchers found that female survivors showed more severe emotional impact than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in well-being is often seen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The degree to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and possessions can magnify the psychological burden to start over. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her clients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
In addition to the psychological toll, physical problems persist. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, hampering the complete restoration of potable water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis shows that survivors commonly experience community support to be more responsive than government assistance.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “In its absence, or when it is slow, communities support one another.”
Ifill similarly praises the strength of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they share laughter about the storm.”
Ifill also praises efforts to support emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “I recommended limiting social media, following official updates, and turning to apps to maintain social support.”
A Growing International Focus
Recently, mental health has received more focus from international agencies due to the worsening climate emergency. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have released comprehensive manuals to help aid personnel in offering psychological care in the aftermath of catastrophes. These projects aim to build community and personal strength by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and facilitating the seeking of professional help.
Economic resources are also identified as crucial for protecting psychological recovery. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, emphasizes the despair that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But up to this day, we were not granted the promised help,” he says.
A Plea for Holistic Recovery
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of global emissions yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to avoid chronic psychological damage.
“The current situation and our built environment do not match|cor
