International Women’s Day 2026: Embracing “Give To Gain” How Prioritising Your Mental Health Helps Women Thrive
On International Women’s Day 8th March 2026, the global theme is “Give To Gain”. When we give time, energy, support, and kindness, we gain so much in return. At EPJ Therapy in Richmond, Surrey, I see this truth play out every week in my therapy room.
Giving to ourselves isn’t selfish. For so many women who come to me feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in people-pleasing patterns or quietly doubting their worth, the most radical act is simply giving themselves permission to pause, be heard, and heal. When they do, they gain something priceless: clarity, confidence, and the freedom to show up as the women they truly are.
What “Give To Gain” really means for women’s mental health
The official IWD 2026 campaign encourages generosity and collaboration to move gender equality forward. In my work as an integrative psychotherapist, I see women giving endlessly to partners, children, colleagues, ageing parents, and friends, often until their own cup is empty.
The result? Persistent anxiety spirals, the Sunday Scaries that last all weekend, self-doubt that whispers “you’re not doing enough”, and that heavy feeling of “I should be coping better than this”.
Giving to yourself first isn’t taking away from others. It’s the foundation that lets you give sustainably and joyfully. That’s where therapy comes in.
The hidden cost of always putting everyone else first
Many of the thoughtful, high-achieving women I work with in Richmond and online across the UK look like they have it all together on the outside. Inside, they’re carrying:
• Recurring anxiety that loops the same worries at 3am
• Self-doubt that creeps in after every meeting or family gathering
• The quiet grief of putting their own dreams on hold
They’ve tried “self-care” (bubble baths, boundary books, apps), but it still feels performative. Real change happens when we gently explore the deeper roots of past experiences, inner critics, and relational patterns in a safe, non-judgmental space.
How therapy helps you Give To Gain
Using an integrative approach (drawing on person-centred warmth, CBT tools, psychodynamic insight, mindfulness and parts work), we create a space where you can:
• Unpack the anxiety spiral and learn practical ways to interrupt it
• Rebuild self-worth from the inside out (the slow, steady work that actually lasts)
• Let go of guilt around saying “no” or asking for support
• Rediscover what you actually want, not what you think you “should” want
Clients often tell me the biggest gain is feeling seen and understood for the first time in years. One recent client said: “I didn’t realise how much I was carrying until I finally put it down here. Now I have energy for the things that matter.”
5 small ways to start “Giving To Gain” this International Women’s Day
Book one session (or even the free 20-minute “getting to know you” call) give yourself the gift of being truly heard.
Notice one “should” thought today and gently question it.
Reach out to another woman and say, “How are you, really?” The collaboration that the IWD theme talks about starts in our everyday conversations.
Protect 30 minutes of unscheduled time this week, no scrolling, no chores. Just you.
Celebrate another woman’s win publicly; your generosity lifts everyone.
You deserve to gain too
This International Women’s Day 2026, let’s rewrite the old story that women must give until they break. Instead, let’s give to ourselves first so we can gain the strength, clarity and joy that ripples out to everyone around us.
If you’re a woman in Richmond, Surrey or anywhere in the UK feeling ready to give yourself that space, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.
Ready to take the first step? Book your free 20-minute consultation today – online or in-person in Richmond. No pressure, no judgment, just a warm welcome.