When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a scene of utter destruction. Dwellings, hospitals, and vital systems were severely compromised, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Everyday occurrences can activate them,” Ifill explains. “A patient described a trolley we often roll through the corridors, whose sound sounded like splintering trees and the roaring storm. She has become averse to experiencing that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now cause panic among survivors.
The Psychological Price Alongside Billions in Damage
This disaster led to a substantial aid package valued at up to $6.7bn over several years and an extra payout of millions from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. Yet, authorities note this monetary aid cannot cover the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
While the primary focus centers on restoring buildings, research over the recent years indicate that the risk of severe anxiety disorders grows substantially after hurricanes and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the inclusion of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Increased Risks: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Scholars stress how prolonged homelessness, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services amplify mental health risks. A recent regional study identified a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Further research documented similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face three primary mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in disaster studies, echoes this view. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an major issue—even though comprehensive data is often insufficient.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women reported greater psychological suffering than men. “This suggests women are more psychologically vulnerable than males when disaster strikes,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some initial improvement in mental health can happen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors heal depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts see that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the emotional challenge to start over. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own emotional tax,” she adds.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her clients: “People who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the emotional damage, physical issues continue. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, hampering the complete restoration of clean water. Monetary relief, while crucial, cannot resolve the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Support as a Essential Lifeline
Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Expert analysis consistently finds that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“State support is essential,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill notes the power of social bonds in coping with disaster. She notes she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends initiatives to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “The guidance included reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding International Focus
Over the past decade, mental health has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the worsening climate emergency. The growing regularity of hurricanes has catalyzed the development of frameworks for mental health response.
Regional institutions have released practical guides to train responders in providing psychosocial support in the aftermath of catastrophes. These projects aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and facilitating the seeking of professional help.
Financial resources are also underlined as key for protecting mental health. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, highlights the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “They came... But to this date, we did not receive any payment,” he states.
A Call for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Experts observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet bears disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed essential to avoid chronic psychological damage.
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