🔗 Share this article

When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on October 28th with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a picture of catastrophic damage. Residences, medical facilities, and vital systems were severely compromised, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.

“Commonplace occurrences can activate them,” Ifill explains. “A patient described a trolley we often move through the corridors, whose clatter reminded her of breaking wood and the roaring storm. She now refuses to experiencing that auditory reminder.”

Over six weeks after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now cause panic among survivors.

The Psychological Price Alongside Financial Losses

The catastrophic event resulted in a significant aid package worth up to billions of dollars over three years and an further payment of millions from a pioneering risk financing tool. However, authorities note this monetary aid fails to account for the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—notably among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.

Although most attention is directed toward restoring buildings, academic work over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows significantly after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now urging the inclusion of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.

Increased Risks: Loss and Mental Health

Researchers highlight how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support amplify mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Another study documented comparable psychological turmoil among people who survived previous storms.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face three primary mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, concurs. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.

These experts found that women experienced more severe emotional impact than men. “This suggests women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith says.

The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair

Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in psychological state may occur within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.

The experts note that the loss of homes and resources can magnify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.

Ifill observes the same pattern among her those seeking help: “People who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”

Apart from the mental damage, tangible issues remain. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of potable water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.

Social Networks as a Essential Pillar

A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research indicates that survivors frequently report community support to be more responsive than government assistance.

“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is slow, neighbors keep each other whole.”

Ifill notes the power of social bonds in coping with disaster. She notes she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”

She further acknowledges initiatives to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”

An Increasing International Focus

In recent years, psychosocial care has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the escalating climate crisis. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has prompted the development of guidelines for mental health response.

Major health organizations have published detailed resources to assist responders in delivering emotional aid in the immediate period of disasters. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by building capacity, reducing shame, and promoting the seeking of professional help.

Economic resources are also identified as fundamental for protecting mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a similar event, highlights the despair that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted the promised help,” he recounts.

A Plea for Integrated Healing

Leaders note that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to mitigate prolonged suffering.

“Our reality and our built environment do not match|cor