New Delhi, May 10 -- Much of what motherhood demands is never seen. Underneath the feeding, bathing, and other physical labour is the continuous intellectual and emotional work of managing a family. Psychologists call this the mental load, a hidden layer of accountability that does not let up even when the body gets some rest. This is why so many mothers are exhausted in ways that sleep alone cannot fix.

What is mental load?

The mental load is not just about to-do lists or multitasking. It is the never-ending process of tracking needs, planning logistics, and managing emotional environments. "Mothers are constantly busy keeping track of school updates and ensuring that family relationships run smoothly," Prakriti Saxena Poddar, Clinical...