When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on October 28th with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a picture of widespread ruin. Homes, medical facilities, and vital systems were severely compromised, resulting in 32 deaths and impacting an approximate 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Commonplace occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “An individual mentioned a wheeled bin we often push through the halls, whose noise evoked memories of splintering trees and the howling wind. She no longer wants to listening to that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also affected neighboring Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now prompt stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Economic Reconstruction
The catastrophic event resulted in a substantial aid package worth up to $6.7 billion over three years and an further payment of millions from a pioneering risk financing tool. Yet, authorities note this financial relief does not address the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although the lion's share of effort is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, academic work over the recent years show that the likelihood of PTSD grows markedly after major storms and displacement. Experts are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Researchers emphasize how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support amplify mental health risks. A recent regional study warned of a significant risk of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Another study recorded comparable psychological turmoil among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face several key emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although comprehensive data is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women showed greater psychological suffering than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in psychological state is often seen within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts note that the being rendered homeless and resources can heighten the emotional challenge to recover. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Those who had pre-existing mental health challenges have reported it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the psychological toll, physical challenges persist. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, hampering the full return of clean water. Financial aid, while crucial, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Community Support as a Critical Lifeline
A key finding is that rebuilding alone does not address the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Studies consistently finds that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more immediate than official aid.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, local people provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of community solidarity in coping with disaster. She says she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further acknowledges initiatives to support mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the dangers of constant exposure to traumatic media. “The guidance included limiting social media, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing International Focus
Recently, psychological support has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the escalating climate emergency. The growing regularity of hurricanes has led to the development of frameworks for mental health response.
Regional institutions have released practical guides to help responders in providing psychological care in the immediate period of disasters. These projects aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by building capacity, promoting openness, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Financial aid are also highlighted as key for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, emphasizes the frustration that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted any payment,” he says.
A Call for Integrated Recovery
Experts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of global emissions yet suffers disproportionate climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to mitigate enduring trauma.
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