Drained

A renowned sociologist and researcher reveals how women can build the life they really want
The term mental load has become more familiar in recent years, but the popular understanding of the concept often reduces it down to managing a list of household chores and logistics. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner reveals that for women, mental load actually goes much deeper: It's a complex form of emotional thinking that is invisible, boundaryless, and enduring. In Drained, Ruppanner outlines the eight distinct types of mental load and highlights what makes them so uniquely heavy for women:
- Life organization: Staying on top of planning and tasks- Emotional support: Checking in on family, friends, and coworkers- Relationship hygiene: Maintaining strong social connections- Magic making: Carrying on traditions and creating special life moments- Dream building: Helping others fulfill their passions and ambitions- Individual upkeep: Keeping fit and healthy- Safety: Protecting family and loved ones from danger- Meta-care: Raising children who will thrive in the future
The heart of the book is the Mental Load Audit, a powerful, practical tool to help readers assess where they are spending their time and attention, and how they can take steps to recalibrate their energy effectively. Urgent and provocative, Drained will help women stop blaming themselves for never feeling like they are enough and help them create richer, less overwhelming lives filled with more meaning and joy.

Leah Ruppanner, PhD, is a professor of sociology at the University of Melbourne, one of the founding directors of the Future of Work Lab, and the host of the MissPerceived podcast. She has a PhD in sociology from UC Irvine and has spent the past decade researching gender, work, and family.