The Healthy Chef Vol 2. Issue 1 - Delilah Becerra

My name is Delilah Becerra and I work in the F&B Industry in Phoenix, AZ. I have seen a spectrum of abuse and mental stigma in this beautiful industry we call home. On any given work week, you are spending anywhere from 40 to 70 hours a week working alongside what we call our work family. That is almost over a third of your life spent at work with your peers. I’d like to take some time to talk about addiction and mental health. Since Covid-19 began earlier this year, the CDC conducted a study and has found 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition ( CDC Research on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicide Ideation during Covid-19). The prediction of an increase in suicide, overdose, and domestic abuse due to Covid-19 have all come true. (ABC News Health). While data won’t be available until the end of 2020, our industry was one of the hardest hit, and so many lives have been negatively impacted.

While talking about substance abuse, suicide, depression, and anxiety is all taboo; it is rampant in the hospitality industry, and we can no longer remain silent. Being able to access resources isn’t always simple. A majority of us don’t have access to healthcare. In some kitchen cultures, asking for help can be viewed as a “weakness”. I believe that being able to be vulnerable enough with your work family to ask for help with any of these serious issues is sign of courage to better one’s self.

I have driven a kitchen co-worker to a psychiatric hospital in the middle of the night. Shared a couch or spare bedroom in my home to a friend having a bad come down, or needing a suicide watch. Slapped a hungover chef to power through another shift. These are people we love, they are hurting and we are losing them.

I want to play a role in creating a bigger sense of community in Hospitality. Building partnerships with trustworthy and transparent companies to deliver services for our hospitality brothers and sisters. Working with leaders and peers in the industry to break the stigma surrounding mental wellness and substance use in hospitality. I also applaud anyone in this industry that can take time to seek help to better themselves into being a better leader, friend or family member.

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