When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a scene of utter destruction. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were leveled, resulting in 32 fatalities and affecting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the material damage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday things can provoke them,” Ifill states. “One woman mentioned a trolley we often roll through the halls, whose sound evoked memories of cracking branches and the roaring storm. She has become averse to hearing that sound.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of rain can now prompt trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Billions in Damage
This disaster resulted in a massive financial package worth up to up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an additional payout of $150m from a innovative catastrophe bond. However, experts warn this economic assistance does not address the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those still recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
While the primary focus targets rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the recent years indicate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders increases markedly after hurricanes and forced relocation. Experts are now urging the integration of psychological care into disaster response plans across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Insecurity and Mental Health
Scholars stress how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article warned of a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Further research recorded parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience several key mental health challenges: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, agrees. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that extensive research is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected reported higher mental distress than men. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in well-being is often seen within a year of the event, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors recover depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts observe that the loss of homes and possessions can magnify the mental struggle to recover. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Starting again comes with its own emotional tax,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her patients: “Those who had pre-existing mental health challenges have reported it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Beyond the mental toll, physical problems remain. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, delaying the full return of potable water. Financial aid, while helpful, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Community Support as a Essential Pillar
A key finding is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research consistently finds that survivors often find social networks to be more responsive than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of mutual support in coping with disaster. She recalls being “moved by the positive attitude” among resilient populations. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she praises steps to support mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Regional Priority
In recent years, psychosocial care has received more focus from international agencies due to the worsening planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have published comprehensive manuals to assist field workers in providing psychosocial support in the aftermath of traumatic events. These efforts aim to foster psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and facilitating the access to psychological care.
Economic support are also highlighted as crucial for preserving emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, emphasizes the frustration that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But even now, we did not receive compensation,” he says.
A Call for Comprehensive Recovery
Analysts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed critical to mitigate enduring trauma.
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