When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a landscape of utter destruction. Residences, medical facilities, and vital systems were destroyed, resulting in 32 fatalities and impacting an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “An individual mentioned a trolley we often roll through the passageways, whose noise sounded like cracking branches and the howling wind. She has become averse to hearing that sound.”
Over six weeks after the storm, which also affected eastern Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now elicit stress reactions among survivors.
The Hidden Toll Beyond Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a massive recovery package worth up to $6.7 billion over a three-year period and an extra payout of $150m from a innovative disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this monetary aid cannot cover the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
While the primary focus targets physical reconstruction, academic work over the recent years show that the risk of severe anxiety disorders rises significantly after climate disasters and displacement. Mental health professionals are now advocating for the incorporation of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Insecurity and Mental Health
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services amplify emotional distress. A scholarly article identified a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Further research found parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face a trio of emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in risk reduction, echoes this view. She notes that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected experienced higher mental distress than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Long Road to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in psychological state is often seen within a year, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and resources can magnify the psychological burden to recover. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her those seeking help: “People who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”
In addition to the mental damage, tangible problems remain. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, hampering the full return of water services. Insurance payouts, while crucial, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Vital Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Studies consistently finds that survivors commonly experience social networks to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, local people support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the value of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She says she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further commends initiatives to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
An Expanding International Focus
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from global organizations due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of hurricanes has led to the development of tools for mental health response.
Major health organizations have published detailed resources to help field workers in providing psychological care in the aftermath of disasters. These initiatives aim to strengthen community and personal strength by training professionals, reducing shame, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Economic resources are also highlighted as crucial for safeguarding psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, highlights the hopelessness that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Officials visited... But to this date, we did not receive compensation,” he recounts.
A Call for Holistic Recovery
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of global emissions yet bears disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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