When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a landscape of widespread ruin. Homes, healthcare centers, and vital systems were destroyed, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an approximate 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple things can activate them,” Ifill states. “A patient described a trolley we often push through the passageways, whose noise evoked memories of cracking branches and the fierce gales. She has become averse to experiencing that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected eastern Cuba, memories 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 falling rain can now cause trauma responses among survivors.
The Psychological Price Alongside Economic Reconstruction
This disaster triggered a significant recovery package valued at $6.7 billion over a three-year period and an further disbursement of $150m from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. Yet, specialists caution this monetary aid fails to account for the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
While the lion's share of effort targets physical reconstruction, academic work over the past three years indicate that the likelihood of PTSD increases significantly after major storms and forced relocation. Researchers are now advocating for the incorporation of mental health support into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.
Layered Struggles: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and poor access to care worsen emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Further research recorded similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face a trio of mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in risk reduction, agrees. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the frequency of disasters increases, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although comprehensive data is still lacking.
The researchers found that women showed more severe emotional impact than male counterparts. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in well-being may occur within a year of the event, the lasting effects are still unclear. The degree to which survivors heal depends heavily on the specific triggers and the care they receive.
The experts see that the destruction of property and resources can intensify the emotional challenge to recover. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her clients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Beyond the psychological toll, practical problems remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, hampering the full return of water services. Insurance payouts, while crucial, cannot resolve the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Vital Pillar
A key finding is that material recovery does not address the deep sorrow caused by permanent disabilities. Studies consistently finds that survivors often find community support to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, neighbors keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the value of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the positive attitude” among resilient populations. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also acknowledges initiatives to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has become a higher priority from world bodies due to the worsening planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for trauma support.
International bodies have developed detailed resources to assist field workers in delivering psychological care in the immediate period of traumatic events. These efforts aim to foster community and personal strength by building capacity, combating stigma, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Economic resources are also identified as key for preserving mental health. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, highlights the frustration that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we did not receive any payment,” he says.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Analysts argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of global emissions yet bears extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to prevent enduring trauma.
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