When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a picture of utter destruction. Dwellings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, causing 32 deaths and impacting an estimated 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday sounds can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “A patient spoke of a trolley we often roll through the corridors, whose sound reminded her of breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to listening to that particular noise.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also struck eastern Cuba, memories 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 cause trauma responses among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Financial Losses
This disaster triggered a massive aid package worth up to up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra payout of $150m from a pioneering catastrophe bond. But, authorities note this financial relief does not address the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
Although the lion's share of effort centers on restoring buildings, academic work over the last several years demonstrate that the risk of severe anxiety disorders rises markedly after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the incorporation of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Academics emphasize how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support amplify emotional distress. A recent regional study identified a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Another study found parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience several key mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in risk reduction, echoes this view. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is not widely available.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women showed greater psychological suffering than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in well-being can happen within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis are still unclear. The degree to which survivors bounce back hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and resources can magnify the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her clients: “Those who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Apart from the mental damage, physical challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Vital Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery does not address the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis indicates that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.
“State support is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, communities support one another.”
Ifill notes the strength of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She says she was “moved by the positive attitude” 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 efforts to support mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from world bodies due to the escalating planetary changes. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
International bodies have released detailed resources to assist field workers in providing psychosocial support in the aftermath of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to build community and personal strength by building capacity, combating stigma, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Monetary resources are also identified as crucial for protecting psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, highlights the despair that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Officials visited... But to this date, we were not granted any payment,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Holistic Recovery
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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