When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on October 28th with winds of 185mph, it left behind a scene of widespread ruin. Dwellings, hospitals, and key utilities were severely compromised, leading to 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Commonplace occurrences can activate them,” Ifill explains. “A patient mentioned a wheeled bin we often move through the passageways, whose clatter sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to hearing that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also struck parts of Cuba, recollections of the terrifying winds continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now prompt panic among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Billions in Damage
Hurricane Melissa triggered a significant recovery package worth up to billions of dollars over three years and an extra disbursement of millions from a pioneering catastrophe bond. But, authorities note this financial relief fails to account for the invisible cost: pervasive mental health crises—notably among those still recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although most attention centers on restoring buildings, studies over the last several years demonstrate that the probability of PTSD grows substantially after hurricanes and losing one's home. Researchers are now calling for the integration of psychological care into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Researchers stress how long-term dislocation, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study warned of a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Another study found comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has examined disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face a trio of psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She observes that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors reported more severe emotional impact than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males when disaster strikes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in well-being is often seen within a year, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The degree to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts see that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the psychological burden to start over. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own emotional tax,” she says.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her those seeking help: “Those who had previous psychological issues have found it’s much more severe in this aftermath.”
In addition to the emotional toll, physical problems persist. The hurricane destroyed vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of water services. Monetary relief, while helpful, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Vital Foundation
Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself cannot heal the deep sorrow caused by permanent disabilities. Studies indicates that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, neighbors support one another.”
Ifill similarly praises the value of mutual support in coping with disaster. She says she was “moved by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
Ifill also praises efforts to encourage mental health awareness after the disaster but cautions 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, psychological support has received more focus from global organizations due to the worsening climate emergency. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to train field workers in delivering emotional aid in the wake of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by training professionals, combating stigma, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Financial resources are also identified as fundamental for protecting mental health. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, stresses the frustration that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “They came... But even now, we never got the promised help,” he recounts.
A Call for Integrated Rebuilding
Analysts observe that the Caribbean region contributes a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet bears extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to avoid enduring trauma.
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