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When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on October 28th with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and vital systems were destroyed, resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and persistent emotional wounds.

“Everyday occurrences can activate them,” Ifill states. “A patient spoke of a cart we often push through the halls, whose sound evoked memories of breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to listening to that particular noise.”

A month and a half after the hurricane, which also affected eastern Cuba, recollections of the terrifying winds continue to haunt some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now elicit trauma responses among survivors.

The Hidden Toll Amidst Economic Reconstruction

The catastrophic event resulted in a substantial financial package worth up to up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra payout of millions from a pioneering risk financing tool. But, experts warn this financial relief fails to account for the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.

Whereas most attention targets restoring buildings, academic work over the recent years indicate that the risk of PTSD grows significantly after climate disasters and displacement. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.

Layered Struggles: Loss and Mental Health

Academics stress how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article identified a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Another study recorded similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people affected by tropical cyclones.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter three primary psychological hurdles: severe stress and mood disorders.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, echoes this view. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—even though extensive research is not widely available.

Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected showed greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith explains.

The Long Road to Recovery

Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in mental health is often seen within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors heal depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.

The experts see that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the psychological burden to recover. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own emotional tax,” she adds.

Ifill sees the same pattern among her clients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this short period of time.”

Apart from the emotional impact, practical problems persist. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, slowing the complete restoration of potable water. Financial aid, while helpful, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.

Grassroots Cohesion as a Essential Foundation

A key finding is that material recovery cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Research indicates that survivors frequently report social networks to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.

“State support is essential,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, communities keep each other whole.”

Ifill similarly praises the power of mutual support in coping with disaster. She recalls being “impressed by the positive attitude” among resilient populations. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”

She further commends steps to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “I recommended limiting social media, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to connect with family.”

A Growing Regional Priority

In recent years, psychological support has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the escalating climate emergency. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has catalyzed the development of tools for psychological first aid.

Major health organizations have developed practical guides to assist responders in delivering psychosocial support in the wake of catastrophes. These projects aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, combating stigma, and facilitating the access to psychological care.

Economic resources are also identified as key for protecting psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, highlights the frustration that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Officials visited... But even now, we did not receive the promised help,” he states.

An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding

Experts observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to prevent prolonged suffering.

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