The Hidden Weight She Carries (But You Might Feel It Too)
- Nagnouma Sako
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
We are all in this together
You know that feeling. The one where you’re holding it all together-barely-while mentally organizing 34 to-do lists, second-guessing every decision, and still remembering everyone’s birthday. That foggy overwhelm with a sprinkle of “Why am I crying at a pasta commercial?” and a dash of “Do I need a nap or a revolution?”
Let’s label that.
It's the Invisible Load Syndrome, Hormonal Hustle Fatigue, or maybe just Life While Female.
Because here’s the truth:
Even if you grew up in a loving, empowering environment-or, well, the opposite-women tend to have one thing in common: a lot on their plate.
We’re raised differently from the get-go.
“Be polite.”
“Smile more.”
“Don’t be too loud… or too quiet… or too smart… or too assertive.”
And while we’re busy decoding that contradiction, puberty shows up like:
“Surprise! Here’s a hormone cocktail that’ll last 40+ years.” (Thanks, estrogen and progesterone, we love the mood swings, acne, and random crying. So fun.)
Let’s not forget the lesser-known party guests:
PMDD (Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder)
Perinatal depression and anxiety
Postpartum struggles that no one talks about at baby showers
Menopausal mood disorders that show up just when you think you’ve earned peace
Women juggle a lot.
Careers, caregiving, glass ceilings, emotional labor, social expectations-and they’re expected to do it all gracefully, like a swan gliding on water (whose legs are paddling furiously underneath).
So if you’re feeling like you’re “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or just “too tired of being everything to everyone”-you’re not crazy.
You’re responding normally to an extraordinary set of pressures.
Let’s stop minimizing it.
Let’s talk hormones, social programming, and mental health without whispering.
Let’s name what’s really going on.
Because what’s unnamed often goes unhealed.
So where do we go from here?
We start by naming and understanding it. Then we support it-with curiosity, not judgment.
Whether you identify as female, male, nonbinary, or beyond-we all carry invisible loads shaped by biology, expectations, culture, and silence. Some of those loads are gendered, some are deeply personal, and many are never spoken aloud.
But naming what we’re feeling is the first radical act of healing.
So let’s check in with ourselves. Let’s talk to each other. Let’s validate more, assume less, and create space for emotional truth-without shame.
Rest isn’t weakness. Needing support isn’t failure. And no one should have to paddle alone beneath the surface.
Label that feeling. Then let it lead you to the care you deserve.
Because healing begins when we’re seen, heard, and no longer alone with the weight.
References:
About the Author: My name is Nagnouma Sako. I’m a clinical intern at Allow Health LLC, completing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My multicultural background has shaped who I am, enriching my perspective and deepening my appreciation for different worldviews. My journey into mental health comes after 10+ years in accounting and nonprofit management. If you ask me, I haven’t strayed too far from my true passion-helping people-only now, I get to do it more intimately and directly!
Comments