The ongoing crisis in Cuba is not only taking a toll on the economy and essential services but is also profoundly impacting the mental well-being of its people. This week, a Cuban woman living abroad took to TikTok to highlight the alarming psychological decline she observes on the island, with individuals experiencing severe psychiatric crises despite having no prior mental health issues.
"The situation in Cuba is so dire that it is destroying people's mental health," stated letycastro (@leticiacastro674), who recounted the story of someone close to her who "lost their mind" unexpectedly. "If someone had told me a few years ago that this person would lose their mind in the future, I wouldn't have believed it," she admitted.
The Stark Reality of Mental Health in Cuba
Her testimony aligns with growing concerns about mental health deterioration, which has already garnered academic attention. A study published in 2026 in the journal Social Science & Medicine, titled "Powerless and Pressured: Mental Health Vulnerabilities in the Context of Prolonged Blackouts in Cuba," surveyed 415 adults living in Cuba between July and November 2025. The findings were chilling: 55.4% exhibited extremely severe depression, 66% faced extremely severe anxiety, and 65.8% dealt with extremely severe stress.
The research highlighted that the effects of power outages on daily life were the strongest predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, surpassing sociodemographic factors and the objective severity of the blackouts themselves. Younger adults were particularly vulnerable, especially regarding stress and depressive symptoms.
Structural Crisis and Systemic Failures
In July 2026, Cuba Sindical released an extensive report on the psychosocial crisis, describing it as structural and linking it to prolonged power outages, food insecurity, mass migration, and the deterioration of public services. The energy crisis led to power cuts lasting over 26 consecutive hours, with some areas experiencing interruptions up to 72 hours. By early August 2026, the electrical deficit reached 2,411 MW, following shortages exceeding 2,300 MW in July.
The failing healthcare system further complicates the treatment of those with mental disorders. Complaints at the Camagüey Psychiatric Hospital included reports of patients being beaten, neglected, tied up for hours, poorly fed, and facing significant medication shortages. In July 2025, Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda acknowledged that only 30% to 32% of essential medications were available, affecting psychiatric drugs as well.
"Currently, there is no healthcare system for psychiatric patients in Cuba. In fact, there's barely any system for anyone, but especially not for psychiatric patients. There are no well-maintained institutions, no medications for these patients, so they're left to fend for themselves," letycastro lamented.
The Young at Risk
The crisis is especially concerning due to its impact on the youth. Tania Peón, Havana's Mental Health Director, warned in 2026 of a rise in suicidal behavior among adolescents in the capital during the year's first half. Official data already indicated a troubling trend: deaths from intentional self-harm among those aged 5 to 18 rose from 18 in 2022 to 28 in 2023, becoming the third leading cause of death in this age group.
Letycastro concluded her message with a warning to those remaining on the island: "Try to let go of things you can't change... or else, you'll lose. Unfortunately, you'll lose your mind under all that pressure."
General statistics further underscore the severity of the issue. In 2023, Cuba recorded 1,671 deaths from intentional self-harm—1,390 men and 281 women—according to the Health Statistics Yearbook. This figure marked an increase from the 1,435 deaths in 2022, highlighting the seriousness of a public health crisis unfolding amid prolonged economic, energy, and healthcare challenges.
Understanding Cuba's Mental Health Crisis
What are the main factors contributing to mental health issues in Cuba?
The primary factors include prolonged power outages, food insecurity, mass migration, and deteriorating public services, all of which contribute to the stress and anxiety experienced by the population.
How are young people in Cuba affected by the mental health crisis?
Youth in Cuba are particularly vulnerable, with rising rates of suicidal behavior and depression. The lack of adequate mental health resources exacerbates their struggles.
What is the state of the healthcare system in Cuba regarding mental health?
The healthcare system is severely lacking, with a shortage of essential medications and poorly maintained facilities, leaving psychiatric patients without proper care.
What did the study published in Social Science & Medicine reveal about mental health in Cuba?
The study found that a significant portion of the Cuban population suffers from severe depression, anxiety, and stress, with power outages being a major contributing factor.