When the powerful Category 5 storm made landfall on Jamaica on the 28th of October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a landscape of utter destruction. Homes, hospitals, and vital systems were destroyed, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an approximate 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Commonplace sounds can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient mentioned a wheeled bin we often roll through the passageways, whose noise evoked memories of splintering trees and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to hearing that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of falling rain can now prompt stress reactions among individuals who endured it.
The Hidden Toll Alongside Economic Reconstruction
Hurricane Melissa resulted in a substantial recovery package worth up to up to $6.7bn over several years and an further payout of $150m from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. Yet, experts warn this economic assistance does not address the psychological cost: widespread trauma—notably among those previously affected from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
While the primary focus is directed toward restoring buildings, academic work over the last several years show that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rises substantially after hurricanes and forced relocation. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Mental Health
Researchers emphasize how long-term dislocation, vanishing incomes, and insufficient support exacerbate mental health risks. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper warned of a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Additional analysis found parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter three primary mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, concurs. She observes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—despite the fact that comprehensive data is often insufficient.
These experts found that women affected reported greater psychological suffering than men. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in well-being can happen within a year, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and resources can magnify 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 mental burden,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her clients: “Those who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
In addition to the mental damage, tangible problems persist. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, delaying the full return of water services. Insurance payouts, while crucial, are insufficient to fix the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.
Grassroots Cohesion as a Vital Pillar
A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself does not address the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Expert analysis shows that survivors often find help from neighbors to be more effective than government assistance.
“The government’s role is crucial,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is slow, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of community solidarity in coping with disaster. She notes she was “moved by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she acknowledges initiatives to support psychological self-care after the disaster but warns about the dangers of consuming endless negative news. “The guidance included reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychological support has garnered greater attention from world bodies due to the intensifying climate emergency. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of tools for mental health response.
Regional institutions have published comprehensive manuals to help aid personnel in providing psychological care in the wake of disasters. These efforts aim to build psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, promoting openness, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Financial support are also identified as key for protecting emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a past disaster, stresses the despair that arises when promised compensation never arrives. “Assessments were made... But even now, we never got compensation,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Healing
Experts note that the Caribbean region contributes a very small fraction of global emissions yet bears extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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