KINGSTON, Jamaica — As communities continue to recover from the physical destruction left by Hurricane Melissa, mental health professionals are warning that the psychological aftermath may linger far longer than damaged roofs or flooded roads.
Clinical psychologist and trauma specialist Dr Marlon Simpson has issued a call for Jamaicans to deliberately address the emotional and neurological strain triggered by the hurricane, noting that many people are experiencing anxiety, loss of control, and survivor’s guilt long after the storm has passed.
Dr Simpson shared his insights during a recent virtual engagement hosted by the JN Foundation for members of parish-based JN Circle groups. The discussion focused on post-disaster mental health and the practical steps individuals can take to regain emotional balance.
According to Dr Simpson, Hurricane Melissa disrupted more than infrastructure — it disrupted the brain’s sense of safety.
“When a disaster ends, the body may survive, but the nervous system doesn’t always get the memo,” he explained. “People feel on edge because the brain is still operating as if danger is present.”
He stressed that traditional coping advice is often insufficient after large-scale trauma, calling instead for evidence-based techniques that directly regulate the brain’s stress response.
Among the strategies highlighted were simple neurological resets, including slow head movements and grounding exercises designed to reassure the brain that the threat has passed. Journaling was also recommended as a way to dismantle cycles of self-blame and unresolved guilt tied to decisions made during the storm.
Dr Simpson encouraged activities such as humming or gentle vocalisation, explaining that these actions stimulate neural pathways associated with safety and connection. He also advised individuals to consciously identify positive elements in their present environment, a technique that interrupts the brain’s tendency to relive distressing memories as though they are still happening.
Physical grounding played a role as well. Using light pressure — such as wrapping oneself in a blanket or towel — can calm the body’s internal alarm system and restore a sense of containment and security.
For those struggling with racing thoughts or mental overload, Dr Simpson suggested recording private voice notes as a means of externalising worry.
“When thoughts stay trapped in the mind, they grow,” he said. “Speaking them out loud brings proportion and perspective back into the picture.”
Special attention, he noted, should be paid to children, who often express distress indirectly. Changes such as withdrawal, appetite loss, increased tantrums, or repetitive rescue-themed play may signal emotional strain that warrants support.
Dr Simpson emphasised that recovery is not a one-time intervention.
“Mental health care after a disaster isn’t an event — it’s a shift in how we live,” he said. “Healing requires ongoing attention.”
Reflecting on the session, JN Group’s member relations supervisor, Hakeem Atkinson, said the initiative was designed to address the less visible consequences of Hurricane Melissa.
“Rebuilding structures is critical, but so is rebuilding people,” Atkinson noted. “This engagement was about equipping communities with tools to address emotional wounds that are easy to overlook but deeply impactful.”
The JN Circle, a global network of JN members and customers, operates across all 14 parishes in Jamaica, with international chapters in Canada and the United Kingdom. Through community-focused initiatives, the network continues to play an active role in social development and recovery efforts.
