When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a landscape of catastrophic damage. Homes, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, resulting in 32 deaths and affecting an estimated 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple sounds can provoke them,” Ifill states. “A patient spoke of a wheeled bin we often roll through the passageways, whose noise sounded like splintering trees and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to listening to that sound.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also affected eastern Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now cause trauma responses among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Financial Losses
Hurricane Melissa led to a massive financial package worth up to billions of dollars over a three-year period and an additional payment of $150m from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. Yet, specialists caution this economic assistance does not address the unseen cost: widespread trauma—notably among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
Although most attention is directed toward restoring buildings, research over the recent years show that the risk of severe anxiety disorders increases significantly after hurricanes and forced relocation. Experts are now urging the incorporation of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers emphasize how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article flagged a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Further research documented comparable fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face several key psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women showed higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Uncertain Path to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in well-being is often seen within a year, the lasting effects are still unclear. The degree to which survivors heal is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts note that the being rendered homeless and possessions can intensify the mental struggle to recover. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own emotional tax,” she says.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the psychological damage, tangible issues remain. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of clean water. Monetary relief, while necessary, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Critical Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Expert analysis shows that survivors often find community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, neighbors provide mutual aid.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further commends steps to support mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the dangers of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing International Focus
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has become a higher priority from world bodies due to the intensifying climate crisis. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for trauma support.
International bodies have published detailed resources to assist field workers in delivering psychosocial support in the aftermath of traumatic events. These efforts aim to foster individual and social resilience by building capacity, reducing shame, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Economic aid are also underlined as fundamental for protecting emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, stresses the frustration that arises when official support fails to materialize. “They came... But to this date, we never got the promised help,” he recounts.
A Plea for Comprehensive Healing
Leaders note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to prevent enduring trauma.
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