Ever feel like your brain has a million tabs open?
You're not alone. Whether it’s remembering to buy milk, checking in on a friend or making sure the family calendar is up to date, that constant mental juggling act is exhausting. It's something many people experience, but here’s the thing: some people carry a lot more of that invisible weight than others. The good news is that there are things you can do today that can ease some of these pressures - talk it through with a friend or engage with an online counselling service are just two examples.
Planning meals, remembering doctor’s appointments, organising birthday presents, managing kids’ schedules - and yes, even keeping the emotional peace in a family or workplace.
Here’s where it gets interesting (and kind of unfair). While anyone can feel mentally overloaded, research shows that women - especially mothers, carers and those in support roles - often carry more of this load by default. It’s not just about doing the tasks, but thinking about them 24/7. That constant brain activity can wear people down, leading to stress, burnout and feeling underappreciated.
So why does this matter to all of us? Because mental health is everyone’s business. If we don’t notice who’s quietly doing the emotional and organisational heavy lifting, they’ll eventually crash. It’s like driving a car on empty and wondering why it broke down.
Spoiler: the warning light was on for ages - we just didn’t see it.
What can we do to lighten the load?
Talk about it. Just naming the mental load helps. It’s not complaining, it’s being honest.
Share responsibilities more equally. Don’t wait to be asked - jump in.
Check in with each other. A simple “How are you really doing?” can go a long way.
Seek professional support. Counselling or mentoring can help when unpacking a busy mental load.
The bottom line? This invisible load might not show up on a to-do list, but it’s real and it matters. When we learn to see it and share it, we’re not just supporting each other. We’re supporting healthier, more balanced lives for everyone.
