When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on October 28th with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a scene of widespread ruin. Homes, medical facilities, and vital systems were leveled, leading to 32 fatalities and affecting an staggering 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Commonplace occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill states. “One woman described a cart we often push through the halls, whose clatter evoked memories of breaking wood and the howling wind. She has become averse to hearing that sound.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also struck parts of Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now cause stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Billions in Damage
This disaster triggered a substantial aid package valued at billions of dollars over a three-year period and an further payout of $150m from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. But, specialists caution this monetary aid cannot cover the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort centers on physical reconstruction, studies over the past three years demonstrate that the risk of severe anxiety disorders increases markedly after major storms and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the integration of psychological care into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Academics highlight how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a clear threat of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Further research recorded similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience three primary mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, echoes this view. She observes that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
The researchers found that female survivors experienced higher mental distress than men. “It indicates that women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in psychological state can happen within a year, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors heal depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and possessions can heighten the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her those seeking help: “People who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional toll, practical challenges persist. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, slowing the full return of potable water. Insurance payouts, while crucial, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Social Networks as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone does not address the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Expert analysis consistently finds that survivors commonly experience community support to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, local people support one another.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of mutual support in coping with disaster. She recalls being “moved by the resilient spirit” among resilient populations. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends steps to support mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was limiting social media, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Recently, mental health has received more focus from world bodies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
International bodies have released detailed resources to train responders in providing psychological care in the immediate period of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to build psychological fortitude by training professionals, reducing shame, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Financial support are also underlined as key for safeguarding mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, emphasizes the despair that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted any payment,” he says.
A Plea for Comprehensive Healing
Experts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of planetary pollution yet bears disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to mitigate enduring trauma.
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