When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a landscape of widespread ruin. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and vital systems were destroyed, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple sounds can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient described a trolley we often roll through the corridors, whose sound sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She has become averse to experiencing that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the hurricane, which also affected neighboring Cuba, flashbacks of the horrific event continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now prompt panic among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Billions in Damage
This disaster triggered a massive recovery package totaling $6.7 billion over a three-year period and an further payout of $150 million from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this financial relief does not address the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those previously affected from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Whereas most attention targets physical reconstruction, studies over the recent years indicate that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the integration of mental health support into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Mental Health
Academics highlight how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support amplify mental health risks. A scholarly article warned of a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Additional analysis recorded parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors could face three primary mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, concurs. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though comprehensive data is still lacking.
These experts found that female survivors showed greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in psychological state is often seen within a year of the event, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The likelihood to which survivors recover is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts note that the loss of homes and livelihoods can intensify the emotional challenge to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her clients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”
Beyond the mental toll, physical issues persist. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of clean water. Monetary relief, while helpful, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Vital Foundation
A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies indicates that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more immediate than government assistance.
“Official action is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, communities support one another.”
Ifill notes the strength of social bonds in navigating hardship. She recalls being “impressed by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges efforts to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
In recent years, mental health has received more focus from global organizations due to the escalating climate emergency. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to train aid personnel in delivering psychosocial support in the wake of disasters. These initiatives aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Financial resources are also identified as key for safeguarding emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a similar event, stresses the frustration that arises when official support fails to materialize. “They came... But up to this day, we did not receive compensation,” he recounts.
A Plea for Holistic Healing
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of global emissions yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to avoid chronic psychological damage.
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