When the devastating cyclone struck Jamaica on the 28th of October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it resulted in a landscape of widespread ruin. Dwellings, healthcare centers, and critical infrastructure were destroyed, resulting in 32 fatalities and affecting an estimated 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday things can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “An individual spoke of a cart we often push through the halls, whose sound reminded her of splintering trees and the howling wind. She has become averse to listening to that particular noise.”
Weeks after the storm, which also impacted neighboring Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of falling rain can now elicit trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Beyond Financial Losses
Hurricane Melissa led to a substantial recovery package totaling up to $6.7bn over three years and an extra payout of millions from a innovative risk financing tool. However, experts warn this monetary aid fails to account for the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—notably among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
While the primary focus targets restoring buildings, research over the recent years demonstrate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases significantly after hurricanes and losing one's home. Mental health professionals are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Loss and Psychological Well-being
Academics stress how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services exacerbate emotional distress. A scholarly article flagged a significant risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Another study recorded similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of emotional obstacles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that extensive research is not widely available.
These experts found that women experienced higher mental distress than men. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy says that while some early progress in mental health can happen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts note that the loss of homes and possessions can intensify the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she says.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her clients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s much more severe in this aftermath.”
In addition to the emotional impact, practical challenges persist. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of water services. Insurance payouts, while crucial, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Networks as a Vital Lifeline
Perhaps most importantly is that material recovery cannot heal the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Studies consistently finds that survivors frequently report social networks to be more responsive than bureaucratic help.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the strength of social bonds in navigating hardship. She recalls being “struck by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they find lightness about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends initiatives to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “The guidance included curating news intake, following official updates, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
An Increasing International Focus
In recent years, mental health has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the worsening climate emergency. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have published comprehensive manuals to help field workers in providing psychosocial support in the immediate period of catastrophes. These efforts aim to foster individual and social resilience by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Economic support are also underlined as crucial for protecting emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a similar event, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we never got any payment,” he says.
A Call for Comprehensive Recovery
Experts note that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers disproportionate climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed vital to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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