10 Reasons Why Women are at Greater Risk for Burnout

Burnout is a term we hear a lot these days, but for many women, it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s a lived reality. From juggling careers and caregiving to meeting societal expectations of being everything to everyone, women are often at a higher risk of experiencing burnout. I get it. I’ve been there.

But what does burnout really mean? And why does it seem to impact women differently? In this blog, I discuss the unique pressures women face that contribute to burnout.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It’s often associated with work, but it can also result from other areas of life, like caregiving, parenting, or managing household responsibilities.

Burnout doesn’t just make you feel tired—it can leave you feeling detached, unmotivated, and even hopeless. And while anyone can experience burnout, the intersection of systemic, societal, and personal pressures often makes women particularly vulnerable.

Why Women Are at Greater Risk

Burnout doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s shaped by the unique pressures, roles, and expectations society places on women. Here are some of the key reasons why women are more susceptible to burnout:

1. The “Double Burden” of Work and Home
   Even as more women pursue careers outside the home, the division of labor inside the home has not kept pace. Studies consistently show that women take on the majority of household tasks, from cooking and cleaning to childcare. For working mothers, this often means shouldering two full-time jobs: one in the workplace and another at home. This dual responsibility leaves little room for rest, self-care, or personal fulfillment.

2. Cultural Expectations of Self-Sacrifice
   In many cultures, women are taught from a young age to prioritize the needs of others over their own. Whether it’s being the nurturing mother, the supportive partner, or the reliable coworker, these expectations create an ongoing cycle of self-sacrifice. This makes it harder for women to set boundaries, say no, or advocate for their own needs—all of which are crucial for preventing burnout.

3. Emotional Labor and Invisible Work
   In addition to physical tasks, women are often expected to take on the bulk of emotional labor. This includes managing family dynamics, remembering birthdays, comforting children, and even supporting coworkers’ emotional needs. Emotional labor is exhausting and rarely acknowledged, yet it adds to the overall mental load that many women carry daily.

4. Workplace Inequities
   Despite advancements in gender equality, women still face significant challenges in the workplace. The gender pay gap, limited access to leadership roles, and higher expectations to “prove” their worth can all contribute to chronic stress. Women are also more likely to encounter microaggressions, discrimination, and bias, which can erode their sense of belonging and lead to emotional exhaustion.

5. Social Media and the Pressure to “Have It All”
   Modern life has added new dimensions to burnout, particularly through social media. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest often amplify the pressure for women to “have it all”—a successful career, a perfect family, an active social life, and an immaculate home. This curated ideal can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the relentless pursuit of perfection, even at the expense of mental health.

6. Motherhood and the Myth of the Perfect Mom
   For mothers, the societal expectation to be a “perfect mom” can be a significant source of stress. From breastfeeding debates to pressure over extracurricular activities, mothers are inundated with messages about how they should parent. This constant scrutiny can leave them feeling like they’re never doing enough, contributing to feelings of guilt and burnout.

7. Healthcare Disparities
   Burnout often leads to physical symptoms, but women may face unique challenges when seeking medical care. Research shows that women’s pain and health concerns are often dismissed or minimized by healthcare providers. This lack of validation can discourage women from seeking help, causing burnout to go unaddressed and escalate further.

8. Intersectionality and Additional Barriers
   For women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities, the risk of burnout is compounded by additional layers of discrimination and systemic inequities. For example, women of color often face racism in addition to sexism, while LGBTQ+ women may experience workplace hostility or a lack of support. These overlapping identities can create unique stressors that heighten the risk of burnout.

9. The Mental Load
   The mental load refers to the invisible planning, organizing, and decision-making that women often manage in their households. From remembering doctor’s appointments to planning meals and coordinating school schedules, this constant cognitive work is draining and frequently overlooked by others.

10. Perfectionism and Societal Expectations
    Women are often expected to excel in multiple roles: the ideal employee, the perfect mother, the supportive partner, the reliable friend. These unrealistic expectations can lead to perfectionism, a major driver of burnout.

Final Thoughts

Burnout in women isn’t just an individual issue—it’s a reflection of societal norms and systems that place disproportionate pressure on women to perform and perfect. Recognizing burnout as a systemic problem, rather than a personal flaw, is the first step toward meaningful change.

Ditch Burnout with Therapy for Burnout and High-Achieving Women in Austin and throughout the state of Texas!

Therapy can help you get to the root cause of your burnout and learn more effective strategies so you can be more productive without running yourself into the ground.

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Naps aren’t going to fix your burnout, but therapy will. I’m Dr. Molly Moore, a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX who specializes in working with high-achieving women who experience anxiety, imposter syndrome, and burnout. Not in Austin, no problem! All services are provided online. Reach out today to get started!