The Myth of the Superwoman: Why Women Don’t Have to “Do It All”

Dr. Brinkley
Sep 30
2 min read

As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s health, I have the privilege of working with incredible women every day. But lately, I’ve noticed a common and concerning theme among my patients, especially mothers.

Whether they’re stay-at-home moms or working full-time, many women feel an overwhelming pressure to do it all, to manage careers, households, children, relationships, and still somehow “thrive.”

The result? Burnout, exhaustion, and self-blame.

The Modern Superwoman Myth

Today’s women are juggling endless responsibilities:

Caring for children full-time while managing unpaid, often unrecognized labor
Working long hours outside the home and returning to take on the bulk of domestic chores
Managing emotional and mental loads for their families

And when they feel depleted, they blame themselves—believing that “other women can handle it, so why can’t I?”

As a working mother myself, I understand this deeply. But here’s the truth:

This version of “having it all” is not natural and it’s not sustainable.

How We Got Here

For most of human history, women were supported by larger family and community networks. Mothers weren’t meant to parent or run households alone they had grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and neighbors sharing the load.

The rise of the nuclear family, a small, isolated household, has dramatically increased the emotional and physical demands on women.

Even mothers who can afford extra help often feel guilty for hiring it. And those who can’t are left trying to fill every role, without rest or support.

This chronic stress contributes to serious health consequences, including:

Adrenal fatigue
Hormonal imbalances
Thyroid dysfunction
Anemia and nutrient deficiencies
Anxiety and depression

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Let’s dismantle the myth that strength means doing everything alone. Asking for help is not weakness, it’s wisdom.

Hire extra help if it’s available to you—without guilt.
Build your village. Connect with other moms to share childcare or household duties.
Take time for yourself. Your health matters, too.

If you’ve been feeling exhausted, foggy, or emotionally drained, it might not just be stress it could also be an underlying health issue.

Take Care of You

New mothers are some of the most likely to skip their own medical appointments, even while prioritizing everyone else’s needs. But your wellbeing is foundational to your family’s health.

If you’re feeling burned out, make time to get your bloodwork done and check for: