When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of widespread ruin. Homes, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Commonplace occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill states. “An individual described a wheeled bin we often roll through the passageways, whose clatter sounded like cracking branches and the howling wind. She now refuses to experiencing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the storm, which also struck parts of Cuba, memories 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 rain can now cause stress reactions among those who lived through it.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Billions in Damage
This disaster resulted in a significant financial package valued at up to $6.7bn over three years and an additional payout of $150 million from a innovative risk financing tool. Yet, specialists caution this financial relief does not address the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—notably among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward physical reconstruction, academic work over the recent years show that the likelihood of PTSD increases significantly after major storms and forced relocation. Mental health professionals are now advocating for the inclusion of mental health support into national recovery strategies across the region.
Increased Risks: Loss and Emotional Stability
Scholars emphasize how prolonged homelessness, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support worsen mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a heightened danger of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Further research documented comparable fear, anxiety, and distress among people affected by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has examined disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience several key psychological hurdles: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in risk reduction, echoes this view. She points out that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—despite the fact that extensive research is not widely available.
Both Smith and Heanoy 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 says.
The Long Road to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in well-being may occur within a year of the event, the lasting effects can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors recover depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts observe that the loss of homes and resources can heighten the psychological burden to start over. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her clients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have found it’s much more severe in this short period of time.”
Apart from the emotional impact, physical issues remain. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, hampering the full return of potable water. Insurance payouts, while crucial, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Vital Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more immediate than official aid.
“Official action is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “impressed by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends steps to support psychological self-care after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “I recommended reducing screen time, following official updates, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has received more focus from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has prompted the development of tools for trauma support.
Regional institutions have developed comprehensive manuals to train field workers in offering psychological care in the immediate period of catastrophes. These projects aim to foster psychological fortitude by training professionals, reducing shame, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Financial aid are also underlined as fundamental for preserving mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a previous flood, emphasizes the frustration that arises when official support is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we never got any payment,” he states.
A Plea for Holistic Rebuilding
Experts observe that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed critical to mitigate enduring trauma.
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