Why You’re So Mentally Exhausted — The Invisible Load of Motherhood

If you’re constantly tired — not just physically, but mentally — there’s a name for that: the invisible load. In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, explores the concept of the mental load of motherhood — the relentless stream of planning, remembering, anticipating, and emotionally managing that so many moms carry without acknowledgment. We talk about: What the invisible load actually is (and why it’s not “just part of being a mom”) Why it often goes unseen — even by our partners, families, and systems How this mental labor affects your identity, energy, and mental health The emotional toll of being the “default parent” — and how to begin shifting the pattern Why naming the invisible load is the first step toward redistributing it Practical tips for sharing the load of tasks in your home You’re not overreacting. You’re not failing. You’re carrying more than anyone realizes — and you deserve support. We briefly talk about Setting Boundaries, Finding Peace, by Nedra Glover Tawwab, you can find it here. Send a text