When Hurricane Melissa ravaged Jamaica on October 28th with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a picture of catastrophic damage. Homes, healthcare centers, and vital systems were leveled, leading to 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million individuals. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be accompanied by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Simple things can provoke them,” Ifill states. “An individual described a trolley we often move through the passageways, whose noise reminded her of splintering trees and the fierce gales. She now refuses to hearing that particular noise.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also affected parts of Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to affect a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now prompt trauma responses among survivors.
The Hidden Toll Amidst Billions in Damage
The catastrophic event led to a significant aid package valued at billions of dollars over several years and an additional payment of $150m from a pioneering catastrophe bond. But, authorities note this monetary aid fails to account for the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—especially among those previously affected from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
While the primary focus is directed toward restoring buildings, research over the last several years indicate that the probability of PTSD increases substantially after hurricanes and forced relocation. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of mental health support into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Scholars stress how extended displacement, destroyed jobs, and poor access to care amplify emotional distress. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after extreme weather. Another study found similar anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience several key psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in disaster studies, echoes this view. She observes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—although detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
The researchers found that women affected experienced higher mental distress than male counterparts. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in psychological state may occur within a year of the event, long-term outcomes can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors heal depends heavily on the specific triggers and the resources accessible.
The experts observe that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Starting again comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill observes the same pattern among her clients: “Individuals who had mental health conditions before have found it’s far more intense in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the emotional damage, practical problems continue. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of clean water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, cannot resolve the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Grassroots Cohesion as a Critical Foundation
Perhaps most importantly is that physical reconstruction by itself fails to mend the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies shows that survivors often find community support to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“State support is essential,” Smith acknowledges. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is delayed, neighbors keep each other whole.”
Ifill similarly praises the power of mutual support in coping with disaster. She says she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among resilient populations. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they share laughter about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends steps to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the dangers of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing Global Recognition
Over the past decade, psychological support has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has led to the development of tools for psychological first aid.
International bodies have released detailed resources to help responders in providing psychological care in the aftermath of traumatic events. These efforts aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Economic aid are also highlighted as key for preserving psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, stresses the frustration that arises when official support never arrives. “They came... But up to this day, we never got compensation,” he states.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Analysts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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