When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on October 28th with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a landscape of utter destruction. Dwellings, medical facilities, and vital systems were leveled, causing 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Simple things can trigger them,” Ifill states. “An individual mentioned a cart we often roll through the corridors, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to hearing that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now prompt trauma responses among survivors.
The Hidden Toll Beyond Financial Losses
The catastrophic event resulted in a significant financial package worth up to up to $6.7bn over several years and an additional disbursement of millions from a pioneering catastrophe bond. But, authorities note this financial relief fails to account for the psychological cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those still recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although most attention centers on restoring buildings, research over the recent years demonstrate that the likelihood of PTSD rises significantly after hurricanes and displacement. Researchers are now advocating for the incorporation of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.
Increased Risks: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Researchers emphasize how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support exacerbate mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis recorded comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter several key mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, agrees. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that women affected experienced more severe emotional impact than male counterparts. “This suggests women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in well-being may occur within a year, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The extent to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and possessions can heighten the emotional challenge to recover. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her clients: “People who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the mental impact, tangible challenges remain. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of water services. Financial aid, while crucial, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Social Support as a Vital Pillar
A key finding is that material recovery fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by permanent disabilities. Studies consistently finds that survivors often find community support to be more responsive than official aid.
“Official action is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the power of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “moved by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
She further commends efforts to encourage mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, following official updates, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
Over the past decade, mental health has received more focus from international agencies due to the escalating climate emergency. The rising occurrence of extreme weather has led to the development of tools for trauma support.
International bodies have published comprehensive manuals to train responders in delivering psychosocial support in the wake of traumatic events. These projects aim to build community and personal strength by building capacity, combating stigma, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Economic support are also identified as crucial for safeguarding emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, highlights the hopelessness that arises when expected aid is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But even now, we never got any payment,” he says.
A Call for Comprehensive Healing
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to mitigate enduring trauma.
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