When the powerful Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica on the 28th of October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it left behind a landscape of widespread ruin. Residences, healthcare centers, and key utilities were severely compromised, leading to 32 fatalities and impacting an approximate 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple sounds can provoke them,” Ifill states. “A patient described a trolley we often push through the halls, whose noise reminded her of cracking branches and the howling wind. She now refuses to listening to that sound.”
Weeks after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, recollections of the frightening storm continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now cause panic among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Financial Losses
Hurricane Melissa resulted in a significant aid package valued at up to $6.7bn over three years and an additional payout of $150 million from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this monetary aid fails to account for the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those still recovering from a previous disaster in 2024.
Whereas the lion's share of effort centers on restoring buildings, academic work over the recent years demonstrate that the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases substantially after hurricanes and displacement. Researchers are now advocating for the inclusion of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Academics emphasize how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and inadequate services exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a clear threat of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Additional analysis documented parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors could face three primary mental health challenges: severe stress and mood disorders.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She points out that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
These experts found that women affected showed higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in well-being can happen within a year of the event, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The extent to which survivors recover is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts note that the loss of homes and possessions can magnify the mental struggle to start over. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own emotional tax,” she adds.
Ifill observes the identical trend among her clients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Apart from the mental damage, physical problems remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of water services. Financial aid, while necessary, do not address all of the deep-seated infrastructure problems revealed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Vital Lifeline
A key finding is that material recovery does not address the psychological injuries caused by life-altering injuries. Studies indicates that survivors frequently report community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, communities support one another.”
Ifill notes the power of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She says she was “impressed by the positive attitude” among strong communities. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also commends steps to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but advises about the harms of constant exposure to traumatic media. “The guidance included reducing screen time, following official updates, and turning to apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
An Expanding International Focus
In recent years, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the escalating climate emergency. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has led to the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have published comprehensive manuals to train responders in offering psychological care in the immediate period of traumatic events. These efforts aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and encouraging the seeking of professional help.
Monetary resources are also highlighted as fundamental for safeguarding mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, stresses the despair that arises when expected aid never arrives. “They came... But even now, we never got the promised help,” he states.
An Appeal for Integrated Healing
Analysts note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed critical to mitigate chronic psychological damage.
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