Why Mental Health is the Missing Ingredient in the Chef Industry.

Why Mental Health is the Missing Ingredient in the Chef Industry.

Ah, the restaurant industry, where we’re not just serving up plates of food, but also dishing out a side of stress, with a dash of anxiety for good measure. Anyone who’s worked in this high-octane environment knows the drill: long hours, gruelling shifts, and the constant pressure to keep that smile plastered on your face, even when your feet are screaming louder than the angry customer at table three.

But let’s talk about something we don’t see on the menu: mental health.

A study by the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC United) revealed that a staggering 70% of restaurant workers are grappling with mental health struggles. That’s right, seven out of ten of us are walking around with a head full of stress, all while trying to remember if the soup of the day is gluten-free.

Why? Because this industry is demanding in ways that go far beyond the physical. Sure, we’re on our feet all day, hustling to make sure every dish is perfect, but the real weight is in the emotional labor. It’s the pressure to perform, to please, and to keep going, no matter how drained we feel.

We’re expected to be everything at once, fast, friendly, efficient, and let’s not forget, flawless. And if you think the customers don’t notice when you’re not on your A-game, think again. One misplaced garnish, one overcooked steak, and you’re looking at a Yelp review that could make Gordon Ramsay blush. No pressure, right?

But here’s the kicker: while we’re busy taking care of everyone else, who’s taking care of us? The answer, all too often, is no one. Mental health in the restaurant industry is like that mysterious ingredient in your grandma’s secret sauce, everyone knows it’s important, but nobody really talks about it.

We’ve got to start thinking of mental health as essential as a sharp knife in the kitchen. Because let’s face it, you can’t chop vegetables with a dull blade, and you can’t serve your best self when your mind is overcooked.

Now, I’m not saying we should all pack up and head for the nearest yoga retreat (though, wouldn’t that be nice?). But we do need to start recognizing that it’s okay to take a step back and breathe, to admit when we’re overwhelmed, and to ask for help when we need it. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s survival.

So, let’s stir this conversation into the mix. Talk to your co-workers, check in with your friends, and if you’re feeling the heat, know that you’re not alone. We’ve got to support each other, after all, we’re in this crazy kitchen together. And remember, the best dishes are made with care, not just for the food but for the people cooking it.

In the end, if we’re going to make it in this industry for the long haul, we need to do it with our sanity intact. It’s time we start treating our mental health with the same respect we give to our craft.

So, next time you’re slicing and dicing through another hectic shift, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you running on fumes? Feeling the pressure boil over? It’s okay to step back and cool off. Whether it’s taking a walk, talking it out, or just indulging in a guilty pleasure (hello, midnight pint of ice cream), find what works for you.

Because at the end of the day, a healthy mind is the secret ingredient to a sustainable career in this industry. Without it, we’re just going through the motions, serving up stress on a silver platter. Let’s make mental health a priority, not an afterthought, and ensure that our passion for food doesn’t come at the expense of our well-being.

And remember, you’re not just a cog in the machine, you’re a person, with limits, feelings, and the right to a balanced life. So, let’s start cooking up some compassion for ourselves and each other, and  maybe, just maybe, we’ll find that the taste of success is a little sweeter when we’re all in it together. 

Best,

Gabriello

Creator of The Mindful Chef Movement