When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on 28 October with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it caused a landscape of utter destruction. Homes, hospitals, and vital systems were severely compromised, causing 32 deaths and impacting an approximate 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was immediately clear that the tangible destruction would be paired with profound and enduring psychological scars.
“Simple things can provoke them,” Ifill explains. “One woman mentioned a cart we often roll through the corridors, whose clatter sounded like cracking branches and the fierce gales. She now refuses to hearing that sound.”
A month and a half after the hurricane, which also impacted eastern Cuba, flashbacks of the terrifying winds continue to trouble some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Simply the noise of rain can now cause trauma responses among survivors.
The Psychological Price Alongside Economic Reconstruction
Hurricane Melissa triggered a substantial recovery package totaling billions of dollars over a three-year period and an additional payout of $150 million from a groundbreaking disaster insurance instrument. Yet, experts warn this economic assistance fails to account for the unseen cost: pervasive mental health crises—particularly among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
While the lion's share of effort is directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, research over the past three years demonstrate that the probability of PTSD grows substantially after hurricanes and forced relocation. Experts are now calling for the incorporation of psychological care into disaster response plans across small island developing states.
Increased Risks: Loss and Mental Health
Scholars highlight how extended displacement, vanishing incomes, and poor access to care worsen psychological vulnerabilities. A 2023 Caribbean-focused paper flagged a clear threat of severe mental health issues after extreme weather. Additional analysis found similar psychological turmoil among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a academic who has analyzed disaster survivors worldwide, notes that survivors often encounter a trio of psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a scholar in disaster studies, agrees. She notes that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, psychological well-being is becoming an increasingly significant issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is often insufficient.
These experts found that women experienced greater psychological suffering than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Recovery
Dr. Heanoy states that while some short-term recovery in psychological state can happen within a twelve-month period, long-term outcomes are still unclear. The extent to which survivors heal depends heavily on the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts observe that the being rendered homeless and resources can magnify the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith labels housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” especially when people have no economic cushion. “Rebuilding comes with its own psychological weight,” she emphasizes.
Ifill witnesses the parallel situation among her those seeking help: “People who had previous psychological issues have reported it’s far more intense in this aftermath.”
Apart from the psychological toll, physical issues continue. The hurricane wiped out key water infrastructure, delaying the complete restoration of clean water. Financial aid, while necessary, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Community Support as a Critical Foundation
A key finding is that rebuilding alone cannot heal the deep sorrow caused by permanent disabilities. Studies consistently finds that survivors commonly experience help from neighbors to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is important,” Smith says. “When it is lacking, or when it is inefficient, neighbors keep each other whole.”
Ifill notes the value of mutual support in navigating hardship. She notes she was “impressed by the sense of humour” among tight-knit groups. “Everything is destroyed, right? But if a community has more jovial people, they make jokes about the storm.”
Ifill also praises steps to encourage psychological self-care after the disaster but warns about the negative effects of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was reducing screen time, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
A Growing Regional Priority
Over the past decade, mental health has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the intensifying planetary changes. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Major health organizations have published practical guides to help field workers in delivering psychosocial support in the immediate period of disasters. These efforts aim to foster individual and social resilience by training professionals, combating stigma, and promoting the seeking of professional help.
Economic support are also highlighted as key for protecting psychological recovery. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a past disaster, emphasizes the frustration that arises when expected aid never arrives. “Assessments were made... But to this date, we were not granted compensation,” he says.
A Call for Holistic Recovery
Leaders observe that the Caribbean region is responsible for a very small fraction of global emissions yet suffers disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to prevent chronic psychological damage.
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