It’s time we talked about the mental load. Again.💌 To join our journaling club, with 9,900+ others, subscribe to my imperfect email - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/Consider this a companion episode to our infamous, most shared episode of 2023, The Elephant in the Relationship where Hugh and Penny introduced us to their mental load, and how they were trying to make it more equal in their relationship.Today we’re sprinkling in some expertise and scientific data, as we’re joined by Professor Leah Ruppanner who explains to Hugh, Ryan and Josh that there’s actually 8 different types of mental load, and not all of them are draining.Bringing examples from their own lives, Hugh, Ryan and Josh discuss with Leah why the mental load can seem like an insurmountable amount of emotional thinking, and how partners can better communicate to reduce anxiety-like symptoms and burnout.We chat to Leah about the exacerbation of the mental load when chronic illness becomes part of the equation, and how to manage the mental load when there is no one to share it with.Chapters🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episodeHugh & Penny - The Elephant in the Relationship - https://bit.ly/4zNi0C4📚Things to readDrained, by Leah Ruppanner (this one has the audit in it) - https://bit.ly/47RUyI5Motherlands, by Lead Ruppanner - https://bit.ly/3WjSCW0Men do see the mess, study by Leah Ruppanner et al. - https://bit.ly/4dTCaSqCognitive + Emotional Labour, research by Leah Ruppanner et al. - https://bit.ly/4eN3HFo📺 Things to watchInside Out - https://bit.ly/4yx5mG4🂱 Things to doFair Play Cards - https://bit.ly/3UFeWZK💝 Breast Cancer SupportBreast Cancer Network Australia - https://bit.ly/4igX8fjMcGrath Foundation - 1800 183 338Think Pink Foundation - https://www.thinkpink.org.au🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - theimperfects.com.au/shop🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - theimperfects.com.au/shop🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/theimperfectsThe Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.