When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a picture of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and key utilities were destroyed, resulting in 32 deaths and impacting an approximate 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the tangible destruction would be accompanied by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Everyday sounds can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient spoke of a wheeled bin we often push through the passageways, whose sound sounded like cracking branches and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to listening to that sound.”
Weeks after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now prompt stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Billions in Damage
This disaster led to a substantial recovery package worth up to $6.7 billion over three years and an additional disbursement of $150m from a pioneering risk financing tool. But, experts warn this monetary aid cannot cover the unseen cost: widespread trauma—notably among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although most attention targets physical reconstruction, research over the past three years show that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases markedly after major storms and displacement. Researchers are now advocating for the incorporation of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Scholars emphasize how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support exacerbate mental health risks. A scholarly article warned of a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Additional analysis found parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter several key psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
The researchers found that female survivors reported greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some early progress in well-being can happen within a year of the event, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors heal depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.
The experts note that the destruction of property and resources can intensify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her clients: “People who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the emotional impact, physical problems remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of water services. Insurance payouts, while necessary, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Social Support as a Essential Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis consistently finds that survivors often find social networks to be more effective than government assistance.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, local people support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further acknowledges efforts to support psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the dangers of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Global Recognition
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from global organizations due to the escalating climate emergency. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has catalyzed the development of guidelines for mental health response.
Major health organizations have released practical guides to assist responders in providing psychosocial support in the aftermath of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, reducing shame, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Monetary support are also identified as fundamental for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, highlights the despair that arises when official support is not delivered. “Officials visited... But to this date, we never got compensation,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Integrated Recovery
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent enduring trauma.
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