The psychological toll of Cuba’s ongoing crises is pushing many of its nearly 10 million residents to the breaking point. Life on the Caribbean island is marked by sweltering nights, frequent water and power shortages, dwindling fuel supplies, crumbling infrastructure, limited public transportation, and weak cellphone signals. The U.S. energy embargo, which has been in place for decades, continues to strain the economy, and long-standing financial troubles show no sign of improvement. Dr. Yomeidis Felicó Riverón, a primary care physician in Havana, said patients often come to her not just for medical help but to cry about their struggles, as they have no one else to turn to. She frequently finds herself acting as a psychologist. Many parents try to shield their children from the harsh realities of life in Cuba, with some mothers attending support workshops that offer a temporary escape from their daily burdens. Dianne Tamayo, one of the mothers at such a session, described her husband as her emotional anchor and said he helps her manage stress. She expressed feeling overwhelmed and admitted she has never known how to release her feelings about life in Cuba. "They are exterminating us," she said, "and we remain complacent." Cuba’s crises have worsened since U.S. President Donald Trump announced in late January that he would impose tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. Combined with long-standing U.S. sanctions, this policy has significantly impacted the Cuban economy. According to Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez, the U.S. economic pressure from March 2025 to February 2026 amounted to more than $8 billion, a record high. Power outages have become more frequent, often lasting more than 24 hours a day. This has led to water shortages and, in some cases, small protests, despite the risk of arrest. The situation has escalated to the point that the U.S. Embassy has issued two public health alerts. On August 28, it warned that Cuba’s water supply infrastructure is increasingly unstable, with some neighborhoods experiencing long periods without water from public sources. More recently, the embassy reported an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses linked to the deterioration of water and energy systems, with cases involving pathogens such as E. coli, norovirus, and Shigella. Despite the challenges, Cubans often find strength in family and community. Armando Lafita, a 60-year-old flower vendor in Old Havana, said his 19-year-old son is the only thing that keeps him going. Similarly, José Manuel Borroto Díaz, 70, and his 93-year-old mother, Teresita del Rosario González Ricardo, rely on each other for support. Borroto, a retired aviation official, described their situation as resembling a movie scene but said they will continue to push forward. Across the island, Cubans are enduring the crises, including 90-year-old Lázaro Alfonso Oviedo, who recently attended a weekly gathering aimed at lifting the spirits of the elderly. Oviedo danced and sang in a deep, robust voice to momentarily forget the suffering he attributes to the United States. "We are not going to give up," he said, praising the resilience of Cubans, which he believes comes from the spirit forged by the revolution that has lasted more than 60 years.