🔗 Share this article

When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it resulted in a scene of catastrophic damage. Homes, hospitals, and vital systems were destroyed, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and enduring psychological scars.

“Everyday things can activate them,” Ifill explains. “One woman spoke of a cart we often move through the passageways, whose clatter evoked memories of cracking branches and the fierce gales. She now refuses to listening to that sound.”

Over six weeks after the storm, which also affected neighboring Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now cause panic among survivors.

The Psychological Price Amidst Billions in Damage

This disaster led to a massive aid package worth up to billions of dollars over three years and an additional disbursement of millions from a innovative disaster insurance instrument. Yet, experts warn this monetary aid fails to account for the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.

Whereas the primary focus centers on restoring buildings, studies over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of PTSD increases substantially after hurricanes and losing one's home. Experts are now calling for the incorporation of mental health support into disaster response plans across the region.

Increased Risks: Loss and Mental Health

Researchers stress how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care amplify emotional distress. A scholarly article flagged a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Additional analysis found similar psychological turmoil among people who survived previous storms.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, echoes this view. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though comprehensive data is often insufficient.

Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected experienced greater psychological suffering than men. “This suggests women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith says.

The Long Road to Healing

Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in mental health is often seen within a year, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors recover depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the support available.

The experts observe that the loss of homes and possessions can intensify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own emotional tax,” she says.

Ifill observes the same pattern among her clients: “People who had previous psychological issues have found it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”

Apart from the mental impact, physical issues persist. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of clean water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.

Social Support as a Critical Lifeline

Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the psychological injuries caused by permanent disabilities. Research consistently finds that survivors frequently report social networks to be more effective than government assistance.

“The government’s role is important,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, neighbors keep each other whole.”

Ifill notes the value of community solidarity in coping with disaster. She notes she was “moved by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they find lightness about the storm.”

Ifill also acknowledges efforts to encourage emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of constant exposure to traumatic media. “I recommended reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”

A Growing International Focus

In recent years, mental health has received more focus from world bodies due to the worsening climate crisis. The growing regularity of hurricanes has prompted the development of tools for mental health response.

Major health organizations have released practical guides to train responders in delivering emotional aid in the immediate period of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and promoting the seeking of professional help.

Monetary aid are also underlined as key for preserving psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, stresses the despair that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we never got the promised help,” he recounts.

A Plea for Holistic Healing

Analysts argue that the Caribbean region contributes a tiny fraction of planetary pollution yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed vital to mitigate enduring trauma.

“The current situation and our systems do not match|cor