About this episode
In this PsycHope tradition, Dr. Jennifer McManus honors International Women’s Day 2026 through the theme, Give to Gain. This episode reflects on the meaning of International Women’s Day, women’s mental health, and gender equality, while shining a light not only on public women whose achievements are widely recognized, but also on the quieter, more delicate accomplishments of women that may never make headlines.The episode then explores the Give to Gain theme through a PsycHope lens, emphasizing that giving is not only about fundraising for women’s causes, but also about support, advocacy, education, visibility, encouragement, and care. Dr. McManus brings this theme into everyday emotional wellness by reflecting on what women gain when they give themselves stress relief, self-care, and self-compassion. She also connects the conversation to workplace inequality, microaggressions, women’s emotional well-being, and the 2026 Equal Pay Day statistic.As part of this PsycHope International Women’s Day tradition, the episode closes with poetry, featuring the collective poem “When We Give to Gain” by Sharena Lee Satti and members of her poetry community (or listen to the poets recite it here: IWD video).Please note: A brief mention of abusive relationships is included in this episode.Self-Help Resources Head to psychope.com for all of our complimentary self-care and stress relief resources like insight quizzes, worksheets, workbooks, and more. You can also find self-help resources like mindfulness meditations and other stress relief videos on the PsycHope YouTube Channel. Your Path Through Work Stress QuizReady to find your best path through work stress? You can find the quiz right here: Take the Quiz. Your feedback is welcome! Feel free to reach out to the show: email: hi@psychope.com Follow us on: InstagramFacebook DisclaimerThe information shared on the PsycHope Self-Help podcast does not constitute professional help nor is it a substitute for professional help. If you think you might benefit from more than self-help, here are some helpful resources:Find a therapist: Psychology Today: directory for locating a psychotherapist. Mental health crisis resources: Crisis text line: text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor for any emotional crisis
