When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it resulted in a landscape of catastrophic damage. Residences, hospitals, and key utilities were destroyed, causing 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple things can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual described a wheeled bin we often move through the halls, whose noise sounded like splintering trees and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to hearing that sound.”
Weeks after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, recollections of the terrifying winds continue to haunt many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now cause panic among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Billions in Damage
This disaster led to a substantial financial package worth up to billions of dollars over several years and an extra payout of $150m from a pioneering catastrophe bond. Yet, authorities note this financial relief does not address the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.
While the lion's share of effort targets restoring buildings, academic work over the past three years show that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows markedly after major storms and losing one's home. Researchers are now advocating for the incorporation of psychological care into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Emotional Stability
Academics emphasize how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and poor access to care amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a significant risk of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Further research recorded parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face several key psychological hurdles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, concurs. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although comprehensive data is not widely available.
The researchers found that women affected experienced greater psychological suffering than men. “It indicates that women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in well-being may occur within a year of the event, the lasting effects are still unclear. The extent to which survivors recover depends heavily on the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts see that the destruction of property and possessions can heighten the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her patients: “Those who had mental health conditions before have noticed it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”
Beyond the emotional toll, physical challenges persist. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of water services. Insurance payouts, while necessary, cannot resolve the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone does not address the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Research consistently finds that survivors commonly experience community support to be more effective than government assistance.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is slow, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of mutual support in coping with disaster. She recalls being “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”
Ifill also praises initiatives to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the dangers of constant exposure to traumatic media. “The guidance included reducing screen time, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Global Recognition
In recent years, mental health has received more focus from international agencies due to the worsening climate crisis. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has prompted the development of tools for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have published practical guides to train aid personnel in providing psychosocial support in the aftermath of disasters. These projects aim to build community and personal strength by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Monetary resources are also underlined as fundamental for protecting psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, emphasizes the frustration that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he says.
A Call for Holistic Recovery
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed critical to prevent prolonged suffering.
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