When Hurricane Melissa ravaged Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a picture of catastrophic damage. Homes, healthcare centers, and key utilities were destroyed, causing 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an approximate 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 sounds can provoke them,” Ifill notes. “One woman spoke of a trolley we often push through the halls, whose noise reminded her of cracking branches and the fierce gales. She has become averse to experiencing that particular noise.”
Over six weeks after the storm, which also struck neighboring Cuba, memories of the frightening storm continue to trouble a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now cause trauma responses among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Alongside Financial Losses
The catastrophic event led to a substantial financial package valued at up to $6.7bn over several years and an extra payout of millions from a innovative catastrophe bond. But, experts warn this financial relief cannot cover the unseen cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those still recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Whereas the primary focus is directed toward physical reconstruction, research over the last several years indicate that the likelihood of PTSD rises markedly after climate disasters and displacement. Experts are now advocating for the inclusion of psychosocial services into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Increased Risks: Insecurity and Psychological Well-being
Academics highlight how prolonged homelessness, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A recent regional study warned of a clear threat of severe mental health issues after climate-related events. Another study documented parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people who survived other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors could face several key emotional obstacles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in geography and disaster risk management, echoes this view. She observes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—even though extensive research is often insufficient.
These experts found that women showed greater psychological suffering than male counterparts. “So it’s quite possible women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith comments.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in well-being is often seen within a year of the event, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The extent to which survivors bounce back hinges on the nature of the trauma and the support available.
The experts note that the loss of homes and resources can heighten the emotional challenge to start over. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” especially when insurance or savings are lacking. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the identical trend among her those seeking help: “Those who had previous psychological issues have noticed it’s significantly worse in this time since the storm.”
Beyond the mental impact, physical problems persist. The hurricane wiped out critical water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of potable water. Monetary relief, while crucial, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses exposed by the storm.
Social Networks as a Vital Pillar
Critically is that rebuilding alone does not address the psychological injuries caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies indicates that survivors often find social networks to be more effective than government assistance.
“State support is important,” Smith says. “In its absence, or when it is delayed, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill notes the strength of mutual support in navigating hardship. She says she was “struck by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to support psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “I recommended reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and using messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has become a higher priority from world bodies due to the escalating climate emergency. The rising occurrence of hurricanes has led to the development of tools for psychological first aid.
Major health organizations have published detailed resources to train responders in offering psychosocial support in the immediate period of disasters. These projects aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by training professionals, reducing shame, and encouraging the use of mental health services.
Monetary aid are also highlighted as crucial for protecting mental health. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, emphasizes the hopelessness that arises when official support is not delivered. “Officials visited... But up to this day, we never got compensation,” he recounts.
An Appeal for Integrated Rebuilding
Analysts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a minuscule fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed critical to mitigate prolonged suffering.
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