🔗 Share this article

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on 28 October with ferocious 185mph gusts, it caused a picture of widespread ruin. Dwellings, hospitals, and key utilities were destroyed, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.5 million people. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the material damage would be paired with profound and persistent emotional wounds.

“Commonplace sounds can trigger them,” Ifill notes. “One woman spoke of a trolley we often move through the passageways, whose clatter reminded her of splintering trees and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to experiencing that sound.”

Over six weeks after the storm, which also struck neighboring Cuba, recollections of the horrific event continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of a downpour can now cause panic among individuals who endured it.

The Unseen Cost Alongside Billions in Damage

The catastrophic event resulted in a massive financial package totaling $6.7 billion over three years and an extra payment of $150 million from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. Yet, specialists caution this financial relief fails to account for the psychological cost: extensive emotional suffering—particularly among those still recovering from another major storm in 2024.

While the lion's share of effort centers on rebuilding infrastructure, studies over the last several years show that the risk of severe anxiety disorders increases significantly after hurricanes and forced relocation. Researchers are now calling for the inclusion of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across the region.

Increased Risks: Loss and Mental Health

Scholars highlight how prolonged homelessness, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper identified a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after natural disasters. Additional analysis recorded comparable psychological turmoil among people who survived other hurricanes.

Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors often encounter three primary mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She notes that while humans are generally resilient, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an increasingly significant issue—although comprehensive data is often insufficient.

Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors experienced more severe emotional impact than men. “It indicates that women are more susceptible than males during these events,” Smith says.

The Difficult Journey to Healing

Dr. Heanoy says that while some initial improvement in psychological state is often seen within a year, the lasting effects can be unpredictable. The likelihood to which survivors bounce back depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the care they receive.

The experts observe that the destruction of property and resources can heighten the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a major source of stress,” notably when financial safety nets are absent. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.

Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her patients: “Individuals who had pre-existing mental health challenges have noticed it’s significantly worse in this aftermath.”

Beyond the psychological impact, tangible challenges continue. The hurricane destroyed critical water infrastructure, slowing the reliable supply of water services. Insurance payouts, while helpful, are insufficient to fix the deep-seated infrastructure problems exposed by the storm.

Grassroots Support as a Vital Pillar

Perhaps most importantly is that rebuilding alone does not address the deep sorrow caused by life-altering injuries. Research consistently finds that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more responsive than government assistance.

“The government’s role is important,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, neighbors provide mutual aid.”

Ifill also highlights the strength of mutual support in overcoming challenges. She recalls being “moved by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”

Additionally, she acknowledges efforts to promote emotional well-being after the disaster but warns about the dangers of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was limiting social media, sticking to reliable news, and turning to apps to connect with family.”

An Expanding International Focus

In recent years, psychological support has garnered greater attention from international agencies due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of extreme weather has led to the development of guidelines for psychological first aid.

Regional institutions have published practical guides to help field workers in delivering psychological care in the immediate period of catastrophes. These initiatives aim to foster individual and social resilience by building capacity, reducing shame, and encouraging the use of mental health services.

Monetary resources are also underlined as key for protecting psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, highlights the hopelessness that arises when official support is not delivered. “Assessments were made... But even now, we did not receive compensation,” he states.

A Call for Comprehensive Rebuilding

Analysts argue that the Caribbean region accounts for a very small fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet endures disastrous climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed essential to mitigate prolonged suffering.

“Our reality and our infrastructure do not match|cor