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When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a picture of widespread ruin. Dwellings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure were leveled, leading to 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.

“Everyday things can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “One woman described a wheeled bin we often push through the passageways, whose sound reminded her of breaking wood and the fierce gales. She has become averse to hearing that auditory reminder.”

Weeks after the hurricane, which also affected parts of Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of falling rain can now prompt stress reactions among survivors.

The Hidden Toll Amidst Financial Losses

This disaster led to a significant aid package totaling billions of dollars over three years and an further payout of $150m from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this economic assistance does not address the invisible cost: extensive emotional suffering—notably among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.

While the primary focus is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the recent years show that the probability of severe anxiety disorders rises significantly after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now calling for the integration of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across the region.

Layered Struggles: Loss and Emotional Stability

Academics emphasize how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and inadequate services worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a heightened danger of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Another study found comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by previous storms.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors often encounter several key psychological hurdles: severe stress and mood disorders.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She notes that while humans are generally resilient, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an major issue—although extensive research is not widely available.

Both Smith and Heanoy found that women showed more severe emotional impact than men. “This suggests women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.

The Long Road to Psychological Repair

Dr. Heanoy states that while some early progress in well-being may occur within a year of the event, the lasting effects are still unclear. The extent to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the specific triggers and the care they receive.

The experts note that the destruction of property and livelihoods can magnify the emotional challenge to start over. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.

Ifill sees the same pattern among her clients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have reported it’s much more severe in this time since the storm.”

Apart from the psychological impact, physical issues persist. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, slowing the full return of clean water. Monetary relief, while helpful, cannot resolve the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.

Community Networks as a Vital Lifeline

Critically is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the deep sorrow caused by permanent disabilities. Expert analysis shows that survivors frequently report social networks to be more effective than official aid.

“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is inefficient, communities support one another.”

Ifill notes the strength of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She says she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they make jokes about the storm.”

Additionally, she acknowledges initiatives to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but cautions about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”

An Expanding International Focus

Recently, psychological support has received more focus from world bodies due to the worsening climate crisis. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has led to the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.

International bodies have published practical guides to help aid personnel in delivering psychosocial support in the aftermath of disasters. These projects aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and facilitating the access to psychological care.

Monetary aid are also underlined as fundamental for preserving mental health. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when official support never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted compensation,” he recounts.

A Plea for Integrated Healing

Analysts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent chronic psychological damage.

“Our reality and our infrastructure do not match|cor