Moms execute more household tasks. But they’re also family executives, doing more of the thinking ahead and assigning that are part of all those chores – bad news for their mental health.
When you think about housework, you likely think of actions: scrubbing the dishes, running errands, chopping vegetables for dinner. And it’s not news to say that mothers often shoulder the burden for most of those activities.
But there’s an invisible dimension of household labor that unfolds behind the scenes: the cognitive effort that goes into anticipating needs, planning, organizing and delegating household tasks. In other words, someone has to remember to replace the dish soap and select which vegetables to chop.
A recent study highlights the significant mental health toll that household tasks impose on mothers. The research reveals that the “mental load” of managing household responsibilities—such as planning, organizing, and remembering tasks—can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. Mothers often juggle these duties alongside other responsibilities, which can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. This constant cognitive burden can negatively affect mental well-being, leading to increased risks of depression and anxiety.
The study underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental load that mothers carry. Sharing household responsibilities more equitably and providing support for mental health can help alleviate this burden. The findings also call attention to the broader need for systemic changes in how domestic duties are distributed and valued within families and society.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, it’s important to seek help. Contact RehabNear.Me at 855–339-1112 to explore treatment options and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out—help is available.
Mental Load of Household Tasks takes Toll on Mothers’ Mental Health https://t.co/uXzEcDBoUr #rehabnearme
— RehabNearMe (@RehabNear_Me) August 2, 2024
