Men and women have different mental loads; Understand the reason

Men and women have different mental loads; Understand the reason


Think too! Even when there is help, mental responsibility is almost increasingly increasing among women

The so -called mental load refers to the cognitive effort to plan, organize and remember daily tasks, especially in the domestic environment. It is more than doing: it’s the effort to think first, during and after action. Although present in the life of any adult, this overload has lived more intensely by women, who accumulate domestic and professional functions, often, without recognition or equitable division of responsibilities.




Disparity between men and women in homework

Second National Home Sample Survey (Continuous Pnad) 2022, from IbgeWomen dedicate 21.3 hours per week to household chores and people’s care. In the meantime, men spend about 11.7 hours in the same functions. The difference also appears in the proportion: 91% of women carry out domestic activities against 79% of men.

Also plan tired

Even when there is a division of tasks, mental management – that is, thinking about everything that must be done – the role of women remains. They organize the routine of their children, domestic purchases, medical commitments and financial management, among other details.

This constant effort can lead to mental fatigue, irritability, insomnia, stress and low self -esteem. A survey of NGO Think Olgain the relationship “Exhausted”underlines that 45% of women in Brazil Anxiety, depression or other mental disorder have already been diagnosed. The main reasons: overload, lack of money and professional dissatisfaction.

Where does the change begin?

The first step is awareness. First of all, the woman has to know how she experienced her days. In addition to dialogue, individual actions are fundamental, such as practicing physical activities, seeking psychological support and creating clear limits. However, the change must be structural and collective, also involving the role of schools, media and public policies.

Mental load is not just a female experience. It is a reflection of unequal social structures. The modification of this scenario requires the review of recognition, action and joint documents. The question that remains is: instead of “What can I do to help my wife?”We should not ask “What can I do to share the responsibility of all of us”?

Source: Terra

You may also like