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When the powerful Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it left behind a scene of catastrophic damage. Homes, hospitals, and key utilities were leveled, resulting in 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an staggering 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the material damage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.

“Simple sounds can trigger them,” Ifill states. “A patient mentioned a trolley we often roll through the passageways, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the howling wind. She now refuses to hearing that sound.”

A month and a half after the catastrophe, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories of the frightening storm continue to trouble many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of a downpour can now cause trauma responses among individuals who endured it.

The Unseen Cost Alongside Billions in Damage

This disaster resulted in a massive aid package valued at up to $6.7bn over three years and an additional payout of $150m from a innovative catastrophe bond. Yet, authorities note this financial relief cannot cover the psychological cost: widespread trauma—notably among those who had been recovering from another major storm in 2024.

While the primary focus is directed toward physical reconstruction, research over the past three years demonstrate that the probability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows substantially after hurricanes and losing one's home. Mental health professionals are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.

Layered Struggles: Loss and Mental Health

Researchers stress how prolonged homelessness, loss of livelihoods, and insufficient support amplify mental health risks. A scholarly article flagged a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Further research recorded similar fear, anxiety, and distress among people displaced by previous storms.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience three primary psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She observes that while people are often tough, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although comprehensive data is often insufficient.

The researchers found that women affected showed higher mental distress than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith says.

The Uncertain Path to Healing

Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in mental health may occur within a year of the event, the ultimate prognosis are still unclear. The likelihood to which survivors heal depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the resources accessible.

The experts see that the being rendered homeless and resources can intensify the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when insurance or savings are lacking. “Reconstruction comes with its own mental burden,” she adds.

Ifill sees the identical trend among her patients: “People who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s much more severe in this aftermath.”

In addition to the mental toll, practical issues remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of water services. Insurance payouts, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.

Social Cohesion as a Essential Pillar

A key finding is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors commonly experience social networks to be more effective than bureaucratic help.

“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, local people keep each other whole.”

Ifill similarly praises the power of community solidarity in navigating hardship. She recalls being “struck by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”

She further commends steps to support psychological self-care after the disaster but warns about the dangers of doomscrolling. “I recommended curating news intake, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to stay in touch with loved ones.”

An Increasing Regional Priority

Recently, mental health has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the intensifying climate emergency. The growing regularity of extreme weather has prompted the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.

Major health organizations have published comprehensive manuals to assist aid personnel in providing emotional aid in the aftermath of disasters. These projects aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by building capacity, promoting openness, and facilitating the use of mental health services.

Monetary resources are also highlighted as key for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a similar event, highlights the hopelessness that arises when official support is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted any payment,” he recounts.

A Call for Comprehensive Healing

Leaders argue that the Caribbean region contributes a tiny fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures extreme climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed essential to mitigate chronic psychological damage.

“The current situation and our infrastructure do not match|cor