In times of constant news about femicide and violence against women, tending to our mental and emotional well-being becomes an act of survival, not indulgence.

Lately, it has become impossible to ignore the reality that a lot of women are living with. Reports of femicide and violence against women are no longer occasional; they are frequent, distressing, and deeply unsettling. Each story carries fear, grief, and anger, and over time, this constant exposure takes a toll on our mental and emotional well-being.

For many women, this moment has created a heightened sense of anxiety; watching their surroundings more closely, questioning intentions, and carrying an invisible weight of fear while trying to live normal lives. These feelings are not imagined, and they are not overreactions. They are a natural response to an unsafe environment.

Wellness in times like this is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about recognising how deeply these realities affect us and choosing care for our minds, our bodies, and our sense of safety.

Protecting Yourself Without Living in Fear

While the responsibility for violence always lies with perpetrators, there are gentle, wellness-centred practices that can help women feel more supported and grounded during this time:

• Stay connected: Share your whereabouts with trusted people when possible and check in on one another. Safety is stronger when it is communal.
  
  
• Trust your intuition: Discomfort does not need justification. Listening to your instincts is an act of self-protection.
  
  
• Set and honour boundaries: Whether in relationships, friendships, or workspaces, your boundaries matter and deserve respect.
  
  
• Reduce isolation: Regular conversations with friends, family, or community can ease fear and emotional exhaustion.
  
  
• Protect your mental space: Limit how often you consume distressing news. Staying informed should not come at the cost of your peace.

• Know where support exists: Be aware of trusted organisations, helplines, or safe contacts you can reach out to when you feel unsafe or overwhelmed.

Caring for yourself does not mean disengaging from the fight for justice. It means preserving your strength, your voice, and your well-being in a world that too often asks women to endure too much.

Women deserve more than survival. We deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to exist without fear.

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