When Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it resulted in a scene of utter destruction. Residences, healthcare centers, and key utilities were destroyed, resulting in 32 fatalities and affecting an staggering 1.5 million people. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the tangible destruction would be shadowed by profound and persistent emotional wounds.
“Everyday things can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient spoke of a cart we often roll through the halls, whose noise sounded like splintering trees and the roaring storm. She no longer wants to experiencing that sound.”
Weeks after the catastrophe, which also impacted eastern Cuba, memories of the horrific event continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of a downpour can now elicit trauma responses among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Economic Reconstruction
This disaster resulted in a massive aid package worth up to up to $6.7bn over several years and an further payment of $150 million from a pioneering disaster insurance instrument. But, experts warn this financial relief does not address the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
While the primary focus targets restoring buildings, studies over the past three years show that the risk of severe anxiety disorders grows significantly after major storms and displacement. Mental health professionals are now urging the inclusion of psychological care into disaster response plans across Caribbean nations.
Compounded Vulnerabilities: Displacement and Emotional Stability
Scholars stress how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services amplify psychological vulnerabilities. A scholarly article flagged a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Additional analysis documented parallel psychological turmoil among people displaced by tropical cyclones.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a expert who has analyzed disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience several key psychological hurdles: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, agrees. She notes that while people are often tough, as the climate crisis worsens, mental health is becoming an major issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
These experts found that female survivors showed greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith says.
The Long Road to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some early progress in psychological state can happen within a twelve-month period, the lasting effects can be unpredictable. The degree to which survivors recover is largely determined by the nature of the trauma and the care they receive.
The experts see that the destruction of property and possessions can intensify the psychological burden to rebuild. Smith describes housing loss “a key traumatic factor,” notably when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own emotional tax,” she says.
Ifill witnesses the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Individuals who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Beyond the mental impact, practical issues persist. The hurricane severely damaged vital water infrastructure, slowing the full return of clean water. Financial aid, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities laid bare by the storm.
Social Cohesion as a Critical Foundation
Critically is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the emotional wounds caused by permanent disabilities. Research indicates that survivors often find social networks to be more effective than bureaucratic help.
“State support is crucial,” Smith states. “When it is lacking, or when it is delayed, communities support one another.”
Ifill also highlights the value of community solidarity in overcoming challenges. She says she was “impressed by the positive attitude” among tight-knit groups. “Your house is gone, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to support psychological self-care after the disaster but cautions about the harms of doomscrolling. “The guidance included limiting social media, trusting verified sources, and leveraging technology to maintain social support.”
An Expanding Regional Priority
Over the past decade, psychosocial care has become a higher priority from world bodies due to the escalating planetary changes. The growing regularity of climate disasters has led to the development of guidelines for trauma support.
Regional institutions have published detailed resources to assist aid personnel in offering emotional aid in the aftermath of traumatic events. These projects aim to strengthen community and personal strength by building capacity, promoting openness, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Financial resources are also identified as crucial for protecting emotional well-being. A agricultural worker from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a previous flood, stresses the hopelessness that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Officials visited... But even now, we were not granted any payment,” he recounts.
A Plea for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Experts argue that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of global emissions yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A swift, well-funded recovery is deemed critical to mitigate enduring trauma.
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