When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a picture of widespread ruin. Homes, healthcare centers, and key utilities were severely compromised, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Commonplace occurrences can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual mentioned a cart we often push through the passageways, whose noise reminded her of breaking wood and the roaring storm. She has become averse to listening to that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now elicit panic among those who lived through it.
The Psychological Price Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a substantial aid package totaling billions of dollars over three years and an additional payment of $150m from a pioneering risk financing tool. However, experts warn this monetary aid does not address the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—notably among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Although the lion's share of effort is directed toward restoring buildings, studies over the recent years show that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the inclusion of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Mental Health
Scholars stress how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services worsen mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Further research recorded parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has examined disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is not widely available.
These experts found that women experienced 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 initial improvement in psychological state can happen within a year of the event, the lasting effects are still unclear. The extent to which survivors heal depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts note that the being rendered homeless and livelihoods can heighten the psychological burden to start over. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her clients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”
In addition to the psychological impact, tangible problems remain. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, delaying the full return of potable water. Monetary relief, while necessary, cannot resolve the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Social Support as a Essential Lifeline
Critically is that material recovery cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Research indicates that survivors often find social networks to be more effective than official aid.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
Ifill also commends initiatives to support psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was limiting social media, sticking to reliable news, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Recently, psychosocial care has received more focus from world bodies due to the intensifying climate crisis. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for mental health response.
Major health organizations have released detailed resources to assist field workers in delivering psychological care in the immediate period of traumatic events. These initiatives aim to build individual and social resilience by building capacity, promoting openness, and facilitating the use of mental health services.
Economic resources are also highlighted as fundamental for safeguarding emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, highlights the hopelessness that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we did not receive any payment,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Holistic Healing
Experts observe that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to mitigate prolonged suffering.
“Our reality and our built environment do not match|cor
