🔗 Share this article

When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of catastrophic damage. Homes, hospitals, and vital systems were leveled, resulting in 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the tangible destruction would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.

“Simple things can provoke them,” Ifill states. “One woman described a trolley we often push through the corridors, whose sound sounded like splintering trees and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to listening to that sound.”

Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also affected parts of Cuba, recollections of the terrifying winds continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of rain can now elicit stress reactions among those who lived through it.

The Hidden Toll Amidst Financial Losses

This disaster resulted in a massive recovery package valued at up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an extra payment of millions from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, specialists caution this financial relief fails to account for the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—notably among those still recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

Although the lion's share of effort is directed toward physical reconstruction, academic work over the recent years demonstrate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders increases significantly after hurricanes and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now urging the incorporation of psychological care into disaster response plans across the region.

Layered Struggles: Loss and Psychological Well-being

Scholars highlight how long-term dislocation, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support amplify mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Further research found similar psychological turmoil among people affected by other hurricanes.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, agrees. She points out that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an major issue—even though comprehensive data is still lacking.

These experts found that women affected reported more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith explains.

The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair

Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in mental health can happen within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the specific triggers and the resources accessible.

The experts see that the loss of homes and livelihoods can heighten the psychological burden to recover. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.

Ifill observes the same pattern among her patients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s much more severe in this aftermath.”

Apart from the emotional damage, physical problems persist. The hurricane wiped out critical water infrastructure, hampering the complete restoration of clean water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.

Grassroots Networks as a Vital Lifeline

Critically is that material recovery does not address the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies indicates that survivors commonly experience community support to be more effective than official aid.

“Official action is essential,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is slow, local people keep each other whole.”

Ifill also highlights the value of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”

Additionally, she commends efforts to support psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the dangers of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, sticking to reliable news, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”

An Expanding Regional Priority

Over the past decade, psychological support has received more focus from world bodies due to the worsening climate emergency. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has prompted the development of guidelines for trauma support.

Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to train aid personnel in providing psychological care in the immediate period of disasters. These initiatives aim to strengthen community and personal strength by building capacity, reducing shame, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.

Monetary resources are also highlighted as key for protecting mental health. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, emphasizes the frustration that arises when promised compensation is not delivered. “They came... But even now, we were not granted the promised help,” he says.

An Appeal for Comprehensive Recovery

Experts argue that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of global emissions yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to prevent enduring trauma.

“Our reality and our infrastructure do not match|cor