Mental Load, Burnout, and the Invisible Work of Motherhood
Mental Load, Burnout, and the Invisible Work of Motherhood
May is filled with flowers, handmade cards, and heartfelt notes for Mother’s Day — a time meant to celebrate the love, strength, and sacrifice of moms. But for many, it’s also a time that shines a spotlight on something harder to name: burnout.
Because while appreciation is lovely, what many mothers really need is rest.
Especially for moms of neurodivergent children, working moms, single moms, teacher-moms, and caregiver-moms — the mental load is relentless.
Let’s name it. Let’s honor it. And let’s talk about ways to lighten it.
💭 What Is the Mental Load?
The mental load is the invisible planning, tracking, organizing, and anticipating that goes into running a household, supporting a child’s needs, and keeping everyone afloat.
It sounds like:
“We’re out of oat milk.”
“I need to schedule that IEP meeting.”
“Is she eating enough at school?”
“Did I ever respond to that email from the teacher?”
It includes the emotional labor of comforting tantrums, noticing your child’s sensory shifts, and carrying the weight of everyone’s wellness while often ignoring your own.
🧠 The Connection to Burnout
When you're managing life, work, advocacy, and emotional support — with no breaks or acknowledgment — your nervous system stays in survival mode.
You might notice:
Trouble sleeping
Quick irritability
Forgetfulness or decision fatigue
Feeling numb, overwhelmed, or resentful
This isn’t weakness. This is a system in overdrive.
🌷Mother’s Day: Appreciation Is Lovely, But Support Is Better
Of course we love the crafts, the flowers, and the breakfast in bed. But the best gift?
Lightening the mental load.
If you're a partner, friend, or family member looking to support a mom this month:
Ask: “What’s one thing I can take off your plate this week?”
Offer practical help like grocery runs, school pickups, or managing therapy appointments
Remind her: You don’t have to do it all. And you don’t have to do it alone.
✨ 5 Ways to Ease the Mental Load (for Moms Themselves)
If you’re reading this as a mom — especially a mom of a neurodivergent child — here are a few steps to help you reclaim just a little more you this month:
1. Brain Dump Daily
Set a timer for 5 minutes and write down everything swirling in your head. No order. No judgment. Just release.
2. Outsource What You Can
Use apps, ask your village, hire help when possible, or say no to non-essentials. Your time is precious.
3. Automate and Delegate
Set up autopay. Use a shared calendar with alerts. Let others own parts of the routine—even if it’s not perfect.
4. Practice Micro-Rest
Even 3 minutes of deep breathing or stretching counts. Don’t wait for a full spa day to give yourself permission to rest.
5. Talk About It
Whether in therapy, with a friend, or in an online support group—naming the load is the first step in healing from it.
🐾 PS: Dog Moms Deserve a Shout Too
May 11th is Dog Mom Day—and to all the fur moms giving love, structure, and snuggles—you count, too. 💛
💛 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
At Path2Growth, we support mothers navigating burnout, advocacy, and the complex emotions of raising neurodivergent children. We offer therapy, executive functioning coaching, and holistic support built around your real life.
👉 Visit our website for tools, coaching options, and resources designed for you.
You are not failing. You're just carrying too much.
And this May, we see you. We honor you. And we’re here to help.
