Women's Mental Health: Anxiety & The Invisible Load

In the chaotic dance of daily life, it's no secret that women often find themselves carrying a hefty load—the invisible weight of responsibilities, expectations, and worries that seem to pile up endlessly. From managing careers and parenting to orchestrating daycare, family vacations, holidays, and birthday parties, keeping everyone fed and healthy, up to date on dentist and doctor appointments, the to-do list can sometimes feel overwhelming! Amidst these demands, anxiety tends to find its foothold, affecting women more prevalently than men. Let's explore this gently with  understanding and compassion. Afterall, we as women are often our own harshest critics.

Anxiety, is that persistent whisper of worry, spiraling thoughts, dread, and even perfectionism. Studies show that women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Why? Well, the reasons are as varied and complex as the women themselves, but one significant factor is the immense mental load they carry.

This mental load isn't just about checking off tasks on your to do list; it's about the unseen burdens—the emotional toll of nurturing relationships, the mental gymnastics of planning and organizing, the relentless pressure to meet impossibly high standards in today’s culture, and the overwhelming amount of information that is available at our fingertips. Women often strive to excel in every aspect of their lives, yet behind the counseling door is an echo chamber of women and mothers who can't help but feel like they're falling short at every turn.

In the world of careers, women face a unique set of challenges—from the gender wage gap to workplace discrimination and the constant quest for work-life balance to combat mom guilt. The weight of these challenges can sometimes feel crushing, fueling feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Similarly, in the realm of parenting, women bear the weight of the mental load associated with childcare and household management. Every decision—from parenting styles, sleep training methods, potty training methods, school choice, extra-curriculars, living a low toxin lifestyle, or being crafty, entrepreneurial, choosing homesteading or the suburb life– are all decisions that women no doubt have carefully weighed. All of these demands can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. It is usually not all at once either, but a slow build up over time. These all contribute to a sense of overwhelm, burnout,  and exhaustion.

While this is certainly not the case in every situation, some families and relationships are learning to, or have balanced the sharing of the mental and physical load more than others. This is still a common stressor that comes up in the counseling room for women. Learning to communicate one’s needs, express one’s feelings, and  to listen to your body, all play a vital part in how an individual is able to manage her day to day demands and needs.

Despite the invisible nature of their struggles, women are resilient. They possess an inner strength and resourcefulness that enables them to navigate the complexities of their lives with grace and determination. However, it's essential to recognize the toll that anxiety and the invisible mental load can take on women's mental health and well-being. It’s important to spread the message that it is okay for women and mother’s to take the necessary time needed for themselves to implement good self care,  so they can thrive as the good mother and woman that they already are! Despite any of the pressure they feel, or the efforts they put towards accomplishments or finding value—they are already immensely valuable when they show up as their most authentic version of themselves!

In conclusion, anxiety is a significant and often overlooked issue that disproportionately affects women. The unseen mental load they carry—from managing careers and parenting to managing the household—exacts a heavy toll on their mental health. As we strive to nurture women’s mental health and create a world where they can thrive, one that is more equitable and supportive, offering women the empathy, understanding, and resources they need to thrive.

Are you ready to seek out additional support to manage your anxiety, mom guilt, or work life balance?