When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with winds of 185mph, it caused a landscape of widespread ruin. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were severely compromised, leading to 32 deaths and impacting an estimated 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Everyday occurrences can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient spoke of a trolley we often push through the passageways, whose sound evoked memories of breaking wood and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to listening to that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the storm, which also impacted neighboring Cuba, memories of the frightening storm continue to haunt many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now prompt stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
This disaster resulted in a massive aid 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 unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.
Whereas most attention centers on rebuilding infrastructure, research over the recent years show that the risk of severe anxiety disorders grows markedly after hurricanes and losing one's home. Mental health professionals are now urging the integration of mental health support into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Academics highlight how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article identified a clear threat of severe mental health issues after natural disasters. Further research documented parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She observes that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though comprehensive data is still lacking.
The researchers found that women affected showed greater psychological suffering than men. “It indicates that women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith comments.
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in well-being may occur within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the resources accessible.
The experts note that the destruction of property and resources can intensify the psychological burden to start over. Smith labels housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own emotional tax,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Those who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
In addition to the emotional impact, physical problems remain. The hurricane severely damaged key water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of potable water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone does not address the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Research consistently finds that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.
“State support is crucial,” Smith acknowledges. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, neighbors keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the strength of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She recalls being “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also praises initiatives to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the dangers of doomscrolling. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to maintain social support.”
Over the past decade, psychological support has become a higher priority from world bodies due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have published practical guides to assist field workers in providing psychological care in the aftermath of traumatic events. These projects aim to foster community and personal strength by building capacity, promoting openness, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Financial support are also identified as fundamental for safeguarding psychological recovery. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a previous flood, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when official support fails to materialize. “They came... But up to this day, we did not receive compensation,” he recounts.
Leaders observe 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 avoid enduring trauma.
“The current situation and our built environment do not match|cor
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.