When Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica on 28 October with winds of 185mph, it left behind a picture of widespread ruin. Dwellings, hospitals, and vital systems were destroyed, causing the tragic loss of 32 lives and affecting an approximate 1.5 million. For mental health expert Toni-Jan Ifill, it was instantly apparent that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday sounds can activate them,” Ifill notes. “A patient spoke of a cart we often roll through the passageways, whose clatter reminded her of cracking branches and the howling wind. She has become averse to experiencing that particular noise.”
A month and a half after the storm, which also impacted eastern Cuba, recollections of the terrifying winds continue to affect some staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. The mere sound of rain can now elicit panic among individuals who endured it.
The Unseen Cost Amidst Billions in Damage
This disaster led to a substantial aid package valued at billions of dollars over a three-year period and an further payment of millions from a groundbreaking risk financing tool. But, experts warn this financial relief fails to account for the psychological cost: pervasive mental health crises—especially among those who had been recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although the lion's share of effort centers on physical reconstruction, academic work over the past three years demonstrate that the likelihood of severe anxiety disorders increases markedly after climate disasters and displacement. Mental health professionals are now urging the inclusion of psychological care into climate-disaster policy across the region.
Layered Struggles: Displacement and Psychological Well-being
Academics emphasize how extended displacement, loss of livelihoods, and poor access to care amplify emotional distress. A scholarly article identified a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after climate-related events. Further research recorded parallel fear, anxiety, and distress among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors globally, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of psychological hurdles: anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a professor in disaster studies, agrees. She points out that while individuals can be strong, as the planet continues to warm, emotional fallout is becoming an major issue—even though detailed prevalence surveys is still lacking.
Both Smith and Heanoy found that female survivors experienced more severe emotional impact than men. “So it’s quite possible women are more psychologically vulnerable than males during these events,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Healing
Dr. Heanoy says that while some short-term recovery in psychological state can happen within a year, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The extent to which survivors bounce back hinges on the specific triggers and the care they receive.
The experts note that the destruction of property and possessions can intensify the mental struggle to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “one of the primary stressors,” particularly when insurance or savings are lacking. “Rebuilding comes with its own mental burden,” she emphasizes.
Ifill sees the same pattern among her those seeking help: “Those who had pre-existing mental health challenges have reported it’s significantly worse in this aftermath.”
In addition to the mental impact, physical issues persist. The hurricane destroyed key water infrastructure, hampering the full return of potable water. Financial aid, while helpful, do not address all of the chronic vulnerabilities revealed by the storm.
Social Support as a Critical Foundation
A key finding is that material recovery cannot heal the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Studies consistently finds that survivors commonly experience community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“Official action is essential,” Smith states. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is slow, communities keep each other whole.”
Ifill also highlights the value of social bonds in navigating hardship. She notes she was “struck by the sense of humour” among strong communities. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a supportive culture, they make jokes about the storm.”
Additionally, she commends steps to promote mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the harms of consuming endless negative news. “My advice was curating news intake, following official updates, and using messaging apps to connect with family.”
A Growing International Focus
Over the past decade, psychological support has garnered greater attention from global organizations due to the worsening climate crisis. The increasing frequency of climate disasters has prompted the development of frameworks for psychological first aid.
International bodies have developed practical guides to train responders in delivering psychological care in the aftermath of disasters. These projects aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by building capacity, reducing shame, and encouraging the access to psychological care.
Monetary support are also highlighted as fundamental for protecting emotional well-being. A farmer from another Caribbean nation, who lost his livelihood in a past disaster, stresses the despair that arises when promised compensation fails to materialize. “Assessments were made... But up to this day, we did not receive compensation,” he recounts.
A Plea for Holistic Rebuilding
Leaders note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a minuscule fraction of worldwide greenhouse gases yet suffers disastrous climate impacts. A timely and comprehensive reconstruction is deemed vital to mitigate chronic psychological damage.
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