When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a picture of catastrophic damage. Residences, hospitals, and key utilities were destroyed, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace things can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “An individual mentioned a cart we often push through the corridors, whose noise reminded her of splintering trees and the howling wind. She now refuses to hearing that particular noise.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of rain can now cause stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event resulted in a substantial recovery package worth up to billions of dollars over a three-year period and an extra disbursement of millions from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this monetary aid fails to account for the unseen cost: widespread trauma—notably among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although most attention centers on physical reconstruction, research over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders rises substantially after major storms and forced relocation. Experts are now calling for the integration of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.
Layered Struggles: Insecurity and Emotional Stability
Researchers emphasize how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article identified a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Another study documented comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of psychological hurdles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, agrees. She notes that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, mental health is becoming an major issue—even though comprehensive data is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women showed higher mental distress than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in well-being may occur within a year, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors recover depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts observe that the loss of homes and possessions can magnify the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her clients: “People who had previous psychological issues have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
In addition to the psychological impact, tangible issues remain. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Community Support as a Essential Foundation
Critically is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research consistently finds that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more immediate than official aid.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the strength of social bonds in coping with disaster. She recalls being “impressed by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further commends steps to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.
International bodies have published detailed resources to assist responders in delivering emotional aid in the wake of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to build psychological fortitude by training professionals, reducing shame, and facilitating the seeking of professional help.
Economic resources are also highlighted as key for protecting psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, highlights the hopelessness that arises when official support never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted compensation,” he states.
A Plea for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Analysts note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed critical to avoid chronic psychological damage.
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