When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a landscape of utter destruction. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were destroyed, causing 32 fatalities and affecting an estimated 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple things can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual spoke of a cart we often push through the corridors, whose noise evoked memories of splintering trees and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to listening to that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the storm, which also struck neighboring Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now elicit stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
Hurricane Melissa resulted in a substantial aid package worth up to $6.7 billion over three years and an extra payment of $150m from a groundbreaking catastrophe bond. But, experts warn this economic assistance fails to account for the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those previously affected from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus targets rebuilding infrastructure, research over the recent years show that the risk of PTSD grows significantly after major storms and forced relocation. Experts are now calling for the integration of psychological care into national recovery strategies across the region.
Increased Risks: Loss and Emotional Stability
Researchers emphasize how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care worsen emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Further research documented similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter several key mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She notes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that women affected experienced more severe emotional impact than male counterparts. “This suggests women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in mental health can happen within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors heal depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts see that the loss of homes and livelihoods can magnify the emotional challenge to recover. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her patients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have found it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the psychological toll, physical problems persist. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, delaying the full return of potable water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, are insufficient to fix the systemic weaknesses revealed by the storm.
Community Support as a Essential Pillar
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Research indicates that survivors commonly experience social networks to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, communities support one another.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “struck by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also acknowledges initiatives to encourage emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of constant exposure to traumatic media. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Regional Priority
In recent years, psychological support has received more focus from global organizations due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of extreme weather has led to the development of guidelines for trauma support.
Major health organizations have developed practical guides to help responders in delivering emotional aid in the immediate period of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to build community and personal strength by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Monetary aid are also highlighted as fundamental for safeguarding emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, emphasizes the despair that arises when official support is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we did not receive any payment,” he states.
A Plea for Comprehensive Healing
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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