The Mental Load refers to the invisible mental and emotional effort or burden that is required to manage life, particularly running a household. It’s the mental work of planning, list making, anticipating needs, remembering, organising and decision making—not just for oneself but also for others such as our children, partner, housemates, and other family members. It’s the moment you're lying in bed at 11pm mentally running through tomorrow's lunchboxes, the dentist appointment you haven't booked, and whether anyone bought a gift for that birthday party on Saturday.  

While the mental load is not a mental health challenge, it is a challenge to healthy relationships. And as with any aspect of life, we believe God’s Word has wisdom to offer. 

Join us for dinner with Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Lauren Errington (men and women welcome), followed by keynote speaker Justine Toh and conversation and theological reflection hosted by Louisa Raggatt with Dr Laurel Moffatt and Rev. Natalie Ray. Across the evening, we’ll explore what the Mental Load is, why it matters, how it affects our relationships, and how Christians can navigate it with wisdom, grace, and courage. 

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About our Speaker

Justine Toh is Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity. She has a PhD in Cultural Studies from Macquarie University. Justine speaks and writes about the Christian faith in publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, The Guardian, ABC Religion & Ethics, and The Canberra Times. She is also the author of the book Achievement Addiction (2021), is presently writing a book about care. Justine fumbles about in public via Instagram and appearances on ABC Radio and, yes, is a recovering achievement addict.