When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a scene of utter destruction. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and key utilities were destroyed, causing 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million people. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Commonplace sounds can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient mentioned a cart we often roll through the passageways, whose noise evoked memories of cracking branches and the roaring storm. She has become averse to experiencing that sound.”
Weeks after the storm, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of rain can now elicit panic among those who lived through it.
The Psychological Price Alongside Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a significant aid package valued at up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an additional payment of $150 million from a innovative risk financing tool. But, authorities note this economic assistance does not address the psychological cost: widespread trauma—especially among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas most attention targets restoring buildings, academic work over the past three years show that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders increases markedly after major storms and displacement. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychosocial services into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Researchers emphasize how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support amplify emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Further research recorded parallel psychological turmoil among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter three primary psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
The researchers found that women reported more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy says that while some short-term recovery in mental health can happen within a year, the lasting effects are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors recover is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts see that the loss of homes and possessions can heighten the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own emotional tax,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her patients: “Those who had mental health conditions before have found it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
In addition to the emotional damage, practical problems continue. The hurricane wiped out critical water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of potable water. Insurance payouts, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Critical Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the deep sorrow caused by permanent disabilities. Research indicates that survivors commonly experience social networks to be more immediate than official aid.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the power of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “moved by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they share laughter about the storm.”
Ifill also commends efforts to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, sticking to reliable news, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing International Focus
Over the past decade, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the escalating climate crisis. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for mental health response.
Major health organizations have developed detailed resources to train field workers in providing psychosocial support in the immediate period of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to build individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Monetary resources are also identified as crucial for protecting emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, emphasizes the frustration that arises when official support is not delivered. “Officials visited... But to this date, we did not receive the promised help,” he says.
A Call for Holistic Rebuilding
Experts note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet bears extreme climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to prevent enduring trauma.
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