When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a landscape of utter destruction. Dwellings, medical facilities, and vital systems were destroyed, resulting in 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple occurrences can activate them,” Ifill explains. “A patient described a wheeled bin we often move through the passageways, whose clatter evoked memories of cracking branches and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to hearing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also struck parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event continue to trouble many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now prompt stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Financial Losses
The catastrophic event resulted in a significant recovery package valued at up to $6.7bn over several years and an further payment of $150 million from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. But, authorities note this financial relief cannot cover the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort targets physical reconstruction, research over the recent years show that the probability of PTSD increases markedly after major storms and losing one's home. Researchers are now calling for the incorporation of mental health support into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care worsen mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis recorded parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of emotional obstacles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in disaster studies, concurs. She observes that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is often insufficient.
These experts found that female survivors reported greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “This suggests women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in well-being may occur within a year, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The degree to which survivors recover hinges on the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts note that the loss of homes and resources can magnify the mental struggle to start over. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own emotional tax,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her clients: “People who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Apart from the psychological toll, physical problems remain. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of potable water. Financial aid, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Critical Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery does not address the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies indicates that survivors frequently report social networks to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of social bonds in navigating hardship. She notes she was “moved by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”
She further praises efforts to support emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing International Focus
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the escalating climate crisis. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has catalyzed the development of guidelines for mental health response.
Major health organizations have developed detailed resources to assist responders in offering psychosocial support in the aftermath of disasters. These efforts aim to strengthen community and personal strength by educating caregivers, reducing shame, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Monetary resources are also underlined as key for preserving mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, highlights the hopelessness that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “They came... But to this date, we were not granted any payment,” he says.
A Call for Holistic Recovery
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet bears extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to avoid prolonged suffering.
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