When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a picture of utter destruction. Residences, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were severely compromised, resulting in 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be accompanied by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple things can activate them,” Ifill notes. “An individual described a wheeled bin we often move through the passageways, whose noise reminded her of breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted neighboring Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now prompt trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Economic Reconstruction
Hurricane Melissa resulted in a substantial aid package totaling $6.7 billion over several years and an additional payout of millions from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. However, experts warn this financial relief fails to account for the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although the primary focus targets rebuilding infrastructure, research over the last several years demonstrate that the probability of severe anxiety disorders rises substantially after hurricanes and losing one's home. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care exacerbate mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after extreme weather. Additional analysis recorded similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors typically experience several key psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in disaster studies, echoes this view. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an major issue—even though comprehensive data is still lacking.
These experts found that women affected experienced greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in well-being can happen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors recover depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.
The experts see that the being rendered homeless and resources can intensify the mental struggle to start over. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her patients: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have found it’s significantly worse in this aftermath.”
In addition to the mental toll, practical problems remain. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, cannot resolve the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Critical Foundation
A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Studies consistently finds that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more immediate than official aid.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the value of social bonds in navigating hardship. She says she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also commends efforts to promote psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of consuming endless negative news. “The guidance included reducing screen time, trusting verified sources, and turning to apps to maintain social support.”
An Increasing International Focus
In recent years, psychological support has become a higher priority from global organizations due to the intensifying planetary changes. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has prompted the development of tools for trauma support.
Regional institutions have developed detailed resources to train responders in offering psychosocial support in the wake of catastrophes. These projects aim to build individual and social resilience by building capacity, reducing shame, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Monetary resources are also highlighted as fundamental for safeguarding mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, highlights the despair that arises when promised compensation is not delivered. “They came... But to this date, we were not granted the promised help,” he recounts.
A Call for Holistic Rebuilding
Experts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to avoid prolonged suffering.
“Our reality and our built environment do not match|cor
