When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on October 28th with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a picture of widespread ruin. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and vital systems were leveled, causing 32 fatalities and impacting an approximate 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple sounds can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual spoke of a trolley we often move through the corridors, whose sound reminded her of cracking branches and the howling wind. She now refuses to experiencing that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of 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 rain can now prompt panic among individuals who endured it.
The Psychological Price Beyond Economic Reconstruction
Hurricane Melissa led to a substantial financial package worth up to $6.7 billion over a three-year period and an further disbursement of millions from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. But, experts warn this economic assistance fails to account for the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those still recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas most attention targets physical reconstruction, studies over the recent years indicate that the risk of severe anxiety disorders increases markedly after hurricanes and displacement. Researchers are now calling for the integration of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Researchers emphasize how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services worsen emotional distress. A scholarly article flagged a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after extreme weather. Another study found parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience three primary mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She points out that while humans are generally resilient, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that female survivors experienced more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.
The Uncertain Path to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in mental health may occur within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the specific triggers and the care they receive.
The experts see that the being rendered homeless and livelihoods can magnify the psychological burden to start over. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her those seeking help: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s significantly worse in this aftermath.”
In addition to the psychological impact, tangible challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, delaying the full return of water services. Insurance payouts, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Community Networks as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Expert analysis shows that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more responsive than official aid.
“State support is essential,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, communities support one another.”
Ifill notes the strength of social bonds in coping with disaster. She says she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also praises efforts to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the dangers of doomscrolling. “The guidance included curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and turning to apps to maintain social support.”
A Growing Global Recognition
Over the past decade, psychological support has received more focus from international agencies due to the worsening climate crisis. The growing regularity of hurricanes has catalyzed the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
International bodies have released practical guides to help field workers in providing psychological care in the aftermath of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to foster psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Economic aid are also identified as key for protecting psychological recovery. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we did not receive the promised help,” he says.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of global emissions yet endures extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed critical to mitigate enduring trauma.
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