Women's mental health: how the double shift impacts women's well-being

Women's mental health. Today's society demands that women be omnipresent figures: exemplary professionals, dedicated mothers, attentive wives, and homemakers.

However, this superhuman expectation creates constant pressure, fueling a cycle of stress and anxiety.

Time for self-care and leisure, essential for mental balance, is often the first to be sacrificed.

Otherwise, when the formal workday ends, the informal workday, at home, begins.

This seamless transition makes it difficult to relax and disconnect. The mind doesn't have the opportunity to regenerate and process the day's emotions.

The Price of Perfectionism and Social Pressure

Therefore, many women feel obligated to achieve an unrealistic standard of perfection in all areas of life.

The quest to be the idealized “superwoman” leads to chronic burnout, a state of exhaustion that cannot be resolved with a night’s sleep.

It's like trying to fill a leaky bucket with the same water that leaks out. No matter how hard you try, the feeling of inadequacy remains.

On the other hand, this social pressure is one of the biggest triggers for disorders such as Burnout Syndrome, depression and generalized anxiety.

The constant juggling of work and home demands creates fertile ground for emotional breakdown.

Gender Inequality in the Division of Tasks

Despite advances, the division of household and care tasks is still unequal.

A 2022 study by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) revealed that women dedicate, on average, more than 16 hours a week to household chores and caring for people, while men dedicate just over 10 hours.

In other words, this disparity highlights a structural imbalance that overloads the women's mental health.

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This statistic underscores the urgency of cultural change.

Shared accountability, where tasks are not seen as “help” from the partner, but as a duty of both, is fundamental.

Everyday Reality

So, imagine Ana, a marketing manager. During the day, she leads a team, participates in strategic meetings, and manages aggressive goals.

When you get home, the day continues: preparing dinner, helping your child with his homework, and organizing the next day's routine.

In other words, Ana rarely has a moment to herself, and the guilt of not being able to “handle everything” constantly accompanies her.

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On the other hand, think about Mariana, who works as a programmer.

She faces pressure to achieve results and, at night, dedicates herself to caring for her elderly mother, managing medications and appointments.

Thus, Mariana's physical and mental exhaustion is evident. She feels like her life is a succession of obligations, with no room for lightness.

THE women's mental health cannot be neglected in these situations.

The Urgency of Self-Care and Seeking Help

In other words, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Small gestures, like setting aside 15 minutes to read a book, meditate, or simply breathe, can make a significant difference.

However, the most important thing is to recognize your limits and seek professional help when necessary.

Therapy is not a sign of weakness, but of courage. The stigma surrounding psychological care needs to be addressed.

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The conversation about the women's mental health must be continuous and open.

It is necessary to create support networks, spaces where women feel safe to share their experiences without judgment.

Table: Domestic Workloads and Impacts on Women's Mental Health

Workload	Mental Consequence
Cleaning and Organization	Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated
Family Care	Chronic fatigue, anxiety
Finance Management	Financial stress, worry
Meal Planning	Mental exhaustion, lack of creativity

The table above illustrates how each type of household responsibility, however simple it may seem, accumulates and contributes to a scenario of mental exhaustion.

Paradigm Shift is Possible

Beyond the individual, the women's mental health requires a paradigm shift.

In other words, companies need to adopt more flexible policies. Families must reevaluate the division of responsibilities.

Society needs to move away from the idealization of the "multitasking" woman and recognize her humanity and vulnerability. After all, equality begins at home.

A woman can't be expected to be a machine. Psychological well-being is the foundation for a full and productive life.

Open Dialogue

The double shift is a reality for many women and its impact on women's mental health is undeniable.

It is a cycle of exhaustion that demands action, both individual and collective.

Open dialogue, seeking professional support, and redistributing responsibilities are crucial steps toward a more equitable and healthy future.

Finally, we can no longer remain silent about the weight of being a woman in a world that demands twice as much.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Burnout Syndrome?

It is a state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress at work, which can affect personal life.

2. How can I identify signs of chronic stress?

Be aware of symptoms such as constant irritability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and loss of interest in activities that previously gave you pleasure.

3. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed?

The first step is to recognize your limits. Try talking to someone you trust and, if possible, schedule an appointment with a psychologist or therapist.

4. Does therapy really help?

Yes. Therapy offers tools and a safe space for you to explore your emotions and learn to cope with the pressures of everyday life, improving your women's mental health.

5. How can I talk to my family about dividing up chores?

Start the conversation calmly and assertively, explaining how overwhelmed you feel.

Suggest creating a task board or list so that responsibility is shared.

++ Women's mental health is overburdened by the triple shift

++ Double shift: a working mother's struggle with anxiety