When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a picture of widespread ruin. Dwellings, medical facilities, and key utilities were severely compromised, causing 32 deaths and affecting an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be accompanied by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday things can trigger them,” Ifill states. “An individual mentioned a trolley we often roll through the halls, whose sound reminded her of splintering trees and the howling wind. She has become averse to experiencing that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to haunt many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now prompt stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
This disaster led to a substantial recovery package totaling up to $6.7bn over a three-year period and an further payment of $150 million from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. Yet, authorities note this financial relief cannot cover the invisible cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those who had been recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas most attention centers on restoring buildings, studies over the past three years show that the likelihood of PTSD rises substantially after hurricanes and losing one's home. Researchers are now advocating for the inclusion of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across the region.
Increased Risks: Loss and Emotional Stability
Academics highlight how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study flagged a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after extreme weather. Another study documented parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people who survived other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter several key mental health challenges: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in risk reduction, agrees. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that women showed more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in psychological state is often seen within a year of the event, the lasting effects can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the specific triggers and the support available.
The experts note that the destruction of property and livelihoods can heighten the mental struggle to start over. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Beyond the emotional toll, practical problems persist. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of clean water. Monetary relief, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Community Cohesion as a Vital Pillar
A key finding is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Research shows that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more immediate than government assistance.
“Official action is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, communities support one another.”
Ifill notes the value of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “struck by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends efforts to support mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
In recent years, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the worsening climate emergency. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have developed practical guides to train responders in delivering psychological care in the aftermath of catastrophes. These efforts aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by building capacity, combating stigma, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Economic support are also identified as crucial for safeguarding psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, highlights the frustration that arises when official support is not delivered. “Officials visited... But to this date, we never got the promised help,” he says.
An Appeal for Integrated Rebuilding
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed critical to prevent enduring trauma.
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