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When the devastating cyclone made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a picture of catastrophic damage. Dwellings, hospitals, and vital systems were destroyed, leading to the tragic loss of 32 lives and impacting an approximate 1.5 million individuals. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the material damage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.

“Simple occurrences can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “An individual described a wheeled bin we often push through the halls, whose noise sounded like breaking wood and the roaring storm. She has become averse to experiencing that particular noise.”

Weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted eastern Cuba, memories of the terrifying winds continue to trouble many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now prompt trauma responses among individuals who endured it.

The Unseen Cost Alongside Financial Losses

This disaster resulted in a substantial financial package totaling $6.7 billion over three years and an extra disbursement of $150 million from a pioneering catastrophe bond. But, experts warn this economic assistance does not address the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

While most attention is directed toward restoring buildings, research over the last several years show that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders rises substantially after climate disasters and forced relocation. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychosocial services into national recovery strategies across Caribbean nations.

Increased Risks: Loss and Emotional Stability

Researchers highlight how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and insufficient support worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a significant risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after climate-related events. Another study recorded comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by other hurricanes.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face three primary psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in risk reduction, echoes this view. She notes that while people are often tough, as the frequency of disasters increases, psychological well-being is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though comprehensive data is often insufficient.

The researchers found that women experienced more severe emotional impact than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males in such catastrophes,” Smith comments.

The Uncertain Path to Psychological Repair

Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in psychological state can happen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.

The experts note that the loss of homes and livelihoods can heighten the psychological burden to recover. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.

Ifill observes the same pattern among her those seeking help: “People who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”

Beyond the mental damage, tangible challenges remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, delaying the full return of clean water. Insurance payouts, while helpful, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.

Community Networks as a Vital Foundation

Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by the loss of loved ones. Research shows that survivors frequently report help from neighbors to be more responsive than bureaucratic help.

“State support is crucial,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, local people support one another.”

Ifill similarly praises the power of social bonds in navigating hardship. She says she was “impressed by the resilient spirit” among strong communities. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”

Additionally, she acknowledges initiatives to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but advises about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “I recommended curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”

An Expanding Regional Priority

Over the past decade, mental health has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the intensifying planetary changes. The growing regularity of hurricanes has prompted the development of tools for mental health response.

International bodies have published detailed resources to train aid personnel in providing psychological care in the wake of traumatic events. These efforts aim to strengthen psychological fortitude by building capacity, combating stigma, and facilitating the use of mental health services.

Monetary resources are also highlighted as key for safeguarding mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost all his crops in a previous flood, stresses the despair that arises when promised compensation is not delivered. “They came... But up to this day, we were not granted any payment,” he says.

An Appeal for Comprehensive Healing

Experts observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of global emissions yet suffers extreme climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to prevent chronic psychological damage.

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