When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a landscape of catastrophic damage. Residences, medical facilities, and key utilities were destroyed, causing 32 fatalities and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million. For clinical psychologist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the material damage would be paired with profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday things can activate them,” Ifill explains. “An individual spoke of a wheeled bin we often roll through the halls, whose sound sounded like cracking branches and the fierce gales. She now refuses to listening to that auditory reminder.”
Weeks after the hurricane, which also struck eastern Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to haunt a number of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of rain can now prompt panic among survivors.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
The catastrophic event triggered a massive aid package worth up to $6.7 billion over a three-year period and an further payout of $150 million from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. However, authorities note this monetary aid fails to account for the unseen cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those previously affected from a previous disaster in 2024.
While the primary focus centers on physical reconstruction, studies over the last several years demonstrate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders rises significantly after hurricanes and forced relocation. Researchers are now urging the inclusion of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across small island developing states.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Scholars highlight how prolonged homelessness, destroyed jobs, and poor access to care exacerbate emotional distress. A recent regional study identified a heightened danger of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after natural disasters. Further research documented parallel anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has examined 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, agrees. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an ever more critical issue—although extensive research is not widely available.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that women affected experienced higher mental distress than men. “It indicates that women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Long Road to Healing
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some initial improvement in well-being can happen within a year of the event, the lasting effects remain uncertain. The likelihood to which survivors heal depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts see that the loss of homes and livelihoods can heighten the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when financial safety nets are absent. “Reconstruction comes with its own psychological weight,” she adds.
Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her those seeking help: “People who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s significantly worse in this aftermath.”
Apart from the emotional impact, physical problems remain. The hurricane wiped out vital water infrastructure, delaying the reliable supply of clean water. Financial aid, while necessary, cannot resolve the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Essential Lifeline
Critically is that rebuilding alone does not address the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Expert analysis shows that survivors frequently report social networks to be more immediate than bureaucratic help.
“State support is essential,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, local people keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the power of social bonds in navigating hardship. She says she was “moved by the resilient spirit” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also acknowledges efforts to support mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the harms of doomscrolling. “I recommended reducing screen time, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to connect with family.”
An Increasing Regional Priority
Recently, psychological support has become a higher priority from world bodies due to the intensifying climate emergency. The rising occurrence of climate disasters has catalyzed the development of tools for trauma support.
Major health organizations have developed detailed resources to train field workers in offering psychological care in the aftermath of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to build psychological fortitude by educating caregivers, combating stigma, and promoting the access to psychological care.
Financial support are also highlighted as fundamental for preserving mental health. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a previous flood, highlights the hopelessness that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But even now, we never got compensation,” he states.
A Call for Comprehensive Healing
Analysts note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of global emissions yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed vital to prevent enduring trauma.
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