When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on October 28th with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a landscape of widespread ruin. Residences, hospitals, and vital systems were leveled, leading to 32 fatalities and affecting an staggering 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Commonplace occurrences can activate them,” Ifill explains. “One woman spoke of a trolley we often move through the halls, whose sound sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to experiencing that particular noise.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of rain can now prompt stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Financial Losses
This disaster led to a substantial aid package worth up to up to $6.7bn over three years and an further disbursement of millions from a pioneering risk financing tool. However, authorities note this monetary aid cannot cover the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—notably among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
While the primary focus targets restoring buildings, studies over the last several years demonstrate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders rises markedly after major storms and losing one's home. Researchers are now advocating for the incorporation of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Mental Health
Researchers highlight how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and poor access to care worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study flagged a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Additional analysis found comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter three primary emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is not widely available.
The researchers found that women experienced higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in psychological state is often seen within a year of the event, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors recover hinges on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts see that the destruction of property and possessions can heighten the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill sees the identical trend among her patients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have noticed it’s significantly worse in this aftermath.”
Apart from the emotional impact, tangible challenges remain. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of clean water. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Critical Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Studies indicates that survivors often find community support to be more responsive than bureaucratic help.
“State support is essential,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “impressed by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further praises efforts to support psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the dangers of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding International Focus
In recent years, psychological support has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the worsening climate emergency. The growing regularity of extreme weather has prompted the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
International bodies have published detailed resources to assist field workers in providing psychosocial support in the aftermath of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Monetary resources are also identified as fundamental for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, stresses the hopelessness that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “They came... But up to this day, we never got any payment,” he says.
A Call for Holistic Healing
Leaders note that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of global emissions yet endures extreme climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to prevent enduring trauma.
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