In many South Asian households, the line between self-care and survival is blurred. For countless women, what appears to be “me time” is often a desperate attempt to protect mental wellbeing in a world that rarely allows space for vulnerability. Whether it’s a long shower in silence, journaling at night when everyone is asleep, or finding peace while folding laundry—these moments aren’t always luxury. They’re coping. The Quiet Coping Mechanisms We Mistake for Self-Care While Western self-care is often painted with spa days, therapy appointments, and indulgent relaxation, South Asian women’s self-care often looks more like endurance. These are some common examples: Bar Graph: Common Coping Mechanisms Used by South…