KINGSTON, Jamaica — As communities continue to recover from the physical devastation left by Hurricane Melissa, mental health professionals are warning that the most enduring damage may be unseen. Licensed clinical psychologist and trauma specialist Dr Marlon Simpson is calling on Jamaicans to deliberately address the psychological aftershocks of the storm, noting that recovery must extend beyond roofs, roads, and relief supplies.
Speaking during a virtual engagement with parish-based JN Circle groups hosted by the JN Foundation, Dr Simpson emphasised that natural disasters often leave people trapped in a persistent state of psychological alert long after the immediate danger has passed.
“Hurricanes don’t always end when the winds stop,” he explained. “For many people, the body survives, but the nervous system doesn’t realise it’s safe yet.”
The session focused on post-disaster mental resilience and explored how trauma, anxiety, and survivor’s guilt can quietly take root if left unaddressed. Dr Simpson described Hurricane Melissa as a disruptive event that stripped many individuals of their sense of control, a key driver of emotional distress.
To counter this, he introduced a series of practical, neuroscience-informed techniques designed to help the brain disengage from threat mode and return to balance.
Among the strategies discussed was a simple orientation exercise involving slow head movements, which helps signal safety to the brain and can reduce restlessness and sleep disruption. He also highlighted the value of reflective writing, noting that journaling allows individuals to untangle guilt and self-blame from circumstances that were ultimately beyond their control.
Sound-based regulation techniques, such as gentle humming or low vocal tones, were also recommended. According to Dr Simpson, these actions stimulate areas of the brain associated with calm and connection, making them especially helpful for people experiencing isolation or emotional numbness.
Grounding practices featured prominently in the discussion. Dr Simpson encouraged participants to consciously identify positive elements in their present environment, explaining that the brain often struggles to distinguish between memory and current reality during periods of stress.
“Attention to what is stable right now interrupts the cycle of reliving the disaster,” he said.
Physical reassurance, such as wrapping the body in a light blanket or towel, was another tool shared during the session. This form of pressure, he explained, can help soothe the body’s internal alarm system and reinforce a sense of safety.
For those experiencing racing or intrusive thoughts, Dr Simpson suggested recording private voice notes as a way of externalising worries. Speaking concerns aloud, he noted, often reduces their intensity and brings perspective.
Special attention was also given to children, who may lack the language to express distress. Dr Simpson advised caregivers to watch for changes such as withdrawal, irritability, disrupted eating habits, or repetitive rescue-themed play, all of which can signal emotional strain.
He stressed that mental health care in the aftermath of a disaster should not be treated as a temporary intervention.
“This is not a one-time fix,” he said. “It’s a shift in how we live and support each other after collective trauma.”
Reflecting on the initiative, JN Group Member Relations Supervisor Hakeem Atkinson said the session was intentionally designed to address the psychological impact of Hurricane Melissa, not just the material losses.
“Rebuilding communities isn’t only about concrete and lumber,” Atkinson noted. “It’s about helping people process what they’ve been through so they can move forward stronger and more resilient.”
The JN Circle, a global network of JN members and customers, continues to play an active role in community development across Jamaica and abroad. With chapters in every parish and international groups in Canada and the United Kingdom, the organisation remains focused on empowering individuals to drive meaningful, lasting change — both externally and within themselves.
