When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a scene of utter destruction. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and vital systems were destroyed, causing 32 deaths and impacting an staggering 1.5 million people. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “One woman mentioned a wheeled bin we often roll through the passageways, whose noise sounded like cracking branches and the howling wind. She has become averse to experiencing that sound.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also affected parts of Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to haunt some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now cause trauma responses among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event triggered a substantial aid package totaling billions of dollars over a three-year period and an additional disbursement of millions from a pioneering catastrophe bond. However, experts warn this economic assistance fails to account for the unseen cost: widespread trauma—especially among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas most attention targets physical reconstruction, academic work over the last several years show that the likelihood of PTSD increases substantially after climate disasters and losing one's home. Experts are now urging the inclusion of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across the region.
Layered Struggles: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Researchers emphasize how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support amplify emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis found similar psychological turmoil among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience several key psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, agrees. She notes that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although comprehensive data is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors showed higher mental distress than men. “This suggests women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in mental health can happen within a year of the event, the lasting effects are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors recover depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts observe that the loss of homes and resources can heighten the mental struggle to recover. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” notably when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her those seeking help: “Those who had mental health conditions before have found it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the psychological impact, practical issues continue. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of potable water. Monetary relief, while crucial, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Vital Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis shows that survivors often find social networks to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the value of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “impressed by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also commends initiatives to support mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “I recommended reducing screen time, following official updates, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, mental health has become a higher priority from global organizations due to the worsening climate emergency. The growing regularity of extreme weather has prompted the development of tools for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have developed detailed resources to assist aid personnel in delivering emotional aid in the wake of disasters. These efforts aim to strengthen community and personal strength by building capacity, combating stigma, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Financial aid are also underlined as key for safeguarding psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, stresses the despair that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “Officials visited... But up to this day, we were not granted compensation,” he recounts.
A Plea for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Analysts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to mitigate enduring trauma.
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