Caracas glows with Christmas lights, and the strains of traditional holiday music drift through its neighborhoods. On the surface, life appears to move on as usual: children attend school, adults commute to work, and street vendors open their stalls each morning. Yet beneath this seasonal calm runs a current of anxiety, fear, and frustration, as tensions between the United States and Venezuela weigh heavily on the population.
Some residents have even begun taking precautionary measures, wary of the possibility of an attack. Victoria, who asked to be identified only by her first name for fear of reprisals, lives alone in western Caracas and works in commerce since her children emigrated. She says recent months have been defined by uncertainty, a constant state of alert that has disrupted her sleep and peace of mind, leaving ordinary life punctuated by worry over events beyond her control.
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Emotional Toll of Political Tensions
The prolonged standoff between Venezuela and the United States has taken a measurable toll on the mental health of Venezuelans in recent months, according to Yorelis Acosta, a clinical and social psychologist and research coordinator at the Center for Development Studies of the Central University of Venezuela.
“There is no single way to process what is happening to us,” Acosta explains. Individuals’ perceptions and responses to the crisis depend on factors such as geographic location, personal circumstances, and their connection to their surroundings. “It’s not the same for a Venezuelan from Táchira or Zulia, living on the border, as it is for someone in Caracas,” she notes. Those living abroad also experience heightened anxiety, often imagining Venezuela “at war or completely militarized,” though the reality is more nuanced.
Perceptions differ further between those who avoid the issue and those who are hyperconnected, sometimes misinformed or overwhelmed by news, leading to high levels of anxiety and insomnia. Acosta advises maintaining a balanced relationship with information. “Stay informed, yes, but rely on credible sources and limit exposure. Take breaks, move, breathe, and prioritize both physical and mental well-being,” she says.
Some, like Yanitza Albarrán, choose to focus on routine and stability. While participating in a pro-government march on December 1, Albarrán emphasized her commitment to freedom, peace, and the Bolivarian revolution, which she says President Nicolás Maduro represents.
Mothers are taking their children to school, women are going out to work and teaching at universities, farmers are planting, and merchants are selling. Our country is at peace because our President and the National Armed Forces guarantee it,” she said, before rejoining the march. That day, chants of “No war, yes peace” echoed through the streets, reflecting the government’s message of normalcy and national resilience.
Yet not everyone shares Albarrán’s sense of security. As the holiday season approaches, economic and political pressures intensify. “For some, December is a reason to celebrate. For others, it is a reminder of absence—relatives abroad or lost loved ones,” Acosta observes. In an increasingly isolated Venezuela, these emotions are compounded, creating a complex and often tense psychological landscape.
Preventive Measures Amid Rising Tensions
Fear over potential conflict has prompted Venezuelans to adopt concrete preventive measures.
CNN obtained notes from several private schools in Caracas requesting parents and guardians provide an “individual emergency kit” for each student attending school this year. The kits are to include water, non-perishable food, hygiene items, medications if necessary, and flashlights. Officially, the measures are intended to prepare for emergencies such as earthquakes. However, a parent who spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity expressed concern that the preparations may also reflect fears tied to the escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington.
Since September 2, when the U.S. began targeting vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested a potential operation in Venezuelan territory, though the timing and likelihood remain uncertain.
The climate of unpredictability extends beyond schools. Business owners, speaking to CNN under anonymity, report closely monitoring road conditions to ensure the distribution of products and conducting communication drills to alert employees in case of extraordinary events. These steps reflect a broader effort to prepare for contingencies in a nation navigating both political and security uncertainties.
Anxiety Compounded by Isolation
The growing isolation of Venezuela has intensified feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Several airlines suspended flights to and from the country after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned aircraft on November 21 to exercise extreme caution over Venezuelan airspace and the southern Caribbean, citing potentially hazardous conditions. When Venezuelan authorities gave these airlines 48 hours to resume operations and subsequently revoked their flight permits, residents were left grappling with the implications.
For Victoria, who lives in Caracas, the news triggered “a complete collapse” and “the deepest sadness.” The suspension dashed her hopes of visiting her daughter in France, a trip she has not made in two years. “I felt like the world was crashing down on me,” she says, expressing fear over Venezuela’s growing isolation. While exploring alternative routes through Colombia, Panama, or Curaçao, she worries about the potential risks of traveling under such uncertain circumstances.
The holiday season, traditionally a time for family reunions, has become increasingly fraught. Nearly eight million Venezuelans now live abroad, unable to see loved ones. Luis Rosas, an engineer residing in Brazil, had planned to return home in December to celebrate his mother’s 80th birthday. As the date approached, anxiety replaced anticipation. “Family – especially my mother – is always the main reason for returning home and reconnecting with my roots,” he says.
Ultimately, after weighing the risks to his family and young son, Rosas decided against traveling this Christmas. “A situation like this generates anxiety, frustration, and unease,” he reflects. “These are circumstances beyond one’s control, but they affect everything.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Venezuelans emotionally affected by tensions with the U.S.?
Many experience anxiety, fear, insomnia, and uncertainty about the future.
Does location affect how people feel?
Yes, border residents and those abroad often perceive greater risk than those in central cities.
How does media consumption impact stress?
Being constantly connected or misinformed can increase anxiety, while avoiding news entirely can create uncertainty.
What preventive measures are schools taking?
Some request emergency kits for students, including water, food, hygiene items, medications, and flashlights.
How are businesses responding?
Companies monitor road conditions and conduct communication drills to prepare for emergencies.
How has isolation affected family reunions?
Air travel restrictions and safety concerns prevent many Venezuelans abroad from visiting loved ones during the holidays.
What coping strategies are recommended?
Limit news exposure, rely on credible sources, maintain routines, take breaks, and prioritize mental and physical well-being.
Conclusion
Venezuelans are navigating a complex landscape of political tension, uncertainty, and isolation, which has taken a tangible toll on mental health and daily life. While many strive to maintain routines, celebrate traditions, and protect their families, anxiety, fear, and disruption remain constant companions. Preventive measures—ranging from emergency kits in schools to company preparedness drills—reflect both resilience and apprehension in the face of an unpredictable environment.
