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What is the 'mental load'?

The story highlights the 'mental load' as the invisible work of planning and organising daily household life. It is not about doing the physical tasks, but remembering they need doing, delegating them, and ensuring they get done. This unseen labour often falls disproportionately to women, even when both partners work.

Stories that explain this

Women often carry the 'mental load' of household tasks, experts say

Related explainers

How can couples share it? Is this a UK problem too? Why do women carry more? What about mental health? What is 'base load' power? Who funds mental health support? Why link jobs to mental health? Why is maternal mental health important?

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