When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it caused a picture of utter destruction. Dwellings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, resulting in 32 deaths and impacting an estimated 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Everyday things can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “One woman mentioned a trolley we often roll through the passageways, whose clatter evoked memories of cracking branches and the howling wind. She has become averse to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now elicit trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Beyond Economic Reconstruction
Hurricane Melissa resulted in a massive aid package totaling billions of dollars over several years and an further payment of $150 million from a innovative catastrophe bond. But, specialists caution this monetary aid cannot cover the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the last several years indicate that the risk of PTSD increases markedly after hurricanes and forced relocation. Researchers are now advocating for the incorporation of psychological care into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Loss and Emotional Stability
Scholars stress how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support exacerbate mental health risks. A recent regional study flagged a heightened danger of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis recorded parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of emotional obstacles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in disaster studies, echoes this view. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the frequency of disasters increases, mental health is becoming an major issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women experienced higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in psychological state is often seen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors heal hinges on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts see that the being rendered homeless and resources can intensify the emotional challenge to start over. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her patients: “People who had previous psychological issues have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the emotional toll, physical problems remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of clean water. Financial aid, while crucial, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Cohesion as a Essential Pillar
Critically is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research shows that survivors commonly experience community support to be more responsive than official aid.
“State support is crucial,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the strength of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “struck by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they share laughter about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends efforts to support emotional well-being after the disaster but cautions about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing International Focus
Over the past decade, psychological support has received more focus from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.
Regional institutions have published comprehensive manuals to help responders in delivering psychological care in the immediate period of disasters. These initiatives aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by building capacity, combating stigma, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Monetary support are also highlighted as crucial for preserving emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, highlights the frustration that arises when expected aid fails to materialize. “They came... But to this date, we were not granted compensation,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Integrated Rebuilding
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to avoid prolonged suffering.
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