From Postnatal Depression to Burnout: The Hidden Struggles of Modern Motherhood

By Dr. Natasha Wallace, Clinical Psychologist
(Listen to this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast for the full conversation.)

Modern motherhood is a balancing act that too often leaves women teetering on the edge of exhaustion.
We’re told to “have it all”, a thriving career, a happy family, a spotless home, and time for self-care. but the reality is far from that. Behind the smiles, many working mums are quietly drowning under the invisible weight of expectations.

In the very first episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, I open up about my own journey through postnatal depression, burnout, and the relentless mental load that so many mothers carry.

I wanted to start this podcast with honesty,  because these struggles are not signs of weakness or failure. They’re a reflection of societal pressures that ask women to do the impossible.

The Invisible Mental Load

The mental load of motherhood isn’t just about chores or tasks, it’s the constant thinking, planning, and anticipating that happens behind the scenes. It’s remembering appointments, managing emotions (our children’s and our own), and mentally running through the to-do list before we’ve even had coffee.

No wonder so many mums feel like their brains never switch off.

When High Expectations Lead to Burnout

For me, burnout and postnatal depression were born from unrealistic expectations, both internal and external. We’re surrounded by messages that tell us we should be able to handle everything perfectly. When we can’t, guilt creeps in, whispering that we’re not doing enough.

But the truth is, the problem isn’t you. It’s the system, the culture, and the belief that worth is tied to productivity.

Why Guilt and Overwhelm Are So Common

Many working mums live in a constant tug-of-war between career and family. Striving to be fully present at work while never falling short at home. This constant tension leaves little room for rest or joy, creating a cycle of guilt and overwhelm that’s hard to escape.

What’s missing isn’t more effort, it’s compassion and support.

Redefining Balance

Balance doesn’t mean splitting your time equally between work, family, and self-care. It means finding what feels sustainable for you, what allows you to show up as the version of yourself that feels grounded, calm, and connected. Small shifts in how we approach motherhood and self-care can make a huge difference. Sometimes, it’s not about doing more,  it’s about pausing, breathing, and giving yourself permission to let go.

Want to Feel More in Control?

If you’re a working mum who feels constantly overwhelmed with the juggle, I created something just for you.
👉 Download my free guide: The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs
It’s packed with simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits… even in the middle of a chaotic day (and we know how often our days feel chaotic!).

And if you’re ready to go beyond quick fixes and make lasting changes, join The Thrive Circle,  a supportive community where working mums learn how to find calm, balance, and confidence without burning out.

Listen to the full episode:
🎧 From Postnatal Depression to Burnout: The Hidden Struggles of Modern Motherhood -  available now on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

If you found this blog helpful, please share it - it might be exactly what another mum needs to hear today. 💛