When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it resulted in a picture of utter destruction. Homes, healthcare centers, and vital systems were severely compromised, leading to 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the material damage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Commonplace things can activate them,” Ifill states. “A patient described a trolley we often push through the passageways, whose sound evoked memories of cracking branches and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to hearing that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted eastern Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to haunt many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now cause trauma responses among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event resulted in a substantial financial package valued at billions of dollars over several years and an additional disbursement of $150 million from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, specialists caution this financial relief does not address the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those still recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although the primary focus targets rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the recent years demonstrate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases substantially after climate disasters and losing one's home. Experts are now urging the inclusion of mental health support into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Mental Health
Academics stress how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support worsen emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Another study documented comparable psychological turmoil among people who survived tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of emotional obstacles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, echoes this view. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though extensive research is often insufficient.
These experts found that women affected experienced higher mental distress than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some short-term recovery in psychological state can happen within a year of the event, the lasting effects are still unclear. The extent to which survivors heal is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.
The experts observe that the being rendered homeless and livelihoods can intensify the emotional challenge to start over. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own emotional tax,” she adds.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her patients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
Beyond the mental toll, practical problems continue. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, hampering the reliable supply of potable water. Financial aid, while necessary, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Essential Lifeline
A key finding is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Research consistently finds that survivors frequently report community support to be more immediate than official aid.
“State support is important,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, neighbors keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the power of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She recalls being “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges steps to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
A Growing Regional Priority
In recent years, psychosocial care has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the worsening climate crisis. The increasing frequency of hurricanes has prompted the development of tools for mental health response.
Major health organizations have published practical guides to assist field workers in offering psychosocial support in the wake of traumatic events. These efforts aim to build individual and social resilience by training professionals, promoting openness, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Financial resources are also highlighted as fundamental for preserving psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, highlights the frustration that arises when promised compensation is not delivered. “They came... But to this date, we were not granted the promised help,” he recounts.
A Plea for Comprehensive Recovery
Leaders argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to avoid enduring trauma.
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