What most of us don’t realize is that the kitchen that gives us our great meals and a fun night out could also be a hidden battlefield.
Yes, we are foodies here. The love of a great meal that satisfies our palate and our mood is what we’re all about it.
But here, we’re pulling back the curtain on a darker reality that simmers beneath the surface of the culinary world—a reality marked by mental health struggles, substance abuse, and, tragically, suicide.
The Pressure Cooker of the Culinary World
We’re sitting at tables with friends enjoying a tasty app, a robust main dish, and some great libations. But here’s what we probably won’t see.
Chefs and restaurant workers operate in high-stress environments where every second counts to keep us happy.
They juggle:
- Split-second decisions under intense pressure
- Long, grueling hours with little rest
- Perfectionism demanded by diners and critics alike
- Low margins and high stakes, especially in post-pandemic recovery
This relentless pace can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. We’ve seen it with the heartbreaking death of Anthony Bourdain. And just recently, the culinary world lost another beloved figure: Anne Burrell, longtime Food Network star and co-host of Worst Cooks in America, who died by suicide on June 17, 2025.
According to the New York City medical examiner, Burrell’s death was caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine—a tragic mix of substances often used to cope with stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Her passing sent shockwaves through the food world, with tributes pouring in from fellow chefs and fans alike.
You can read more about Anne Burrell’s story at these sources:
Deadline: https://deadline.com/2025/07/anne-burrell-cause-of-death-suicide-food-network-1236467411/
People Magazine: https://people.com/anne-burrell-cause-of-death-suicide-11778277
Fiction Reflects Reality: The Bear
The emotional toll of restaurant life is also powerfully depicted in the hit streaming series The Bear. The show follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a high-end chef who inherits his late brother’s struggling sandwich shop in Chicago. As Carmy tries to transform the restaurant, he battles grief, trauma, and the chaos of a dysfunctional kitchen.
The series doesn’t shy away from the psychological strain of the culinary world—highlighting addiction, anxiety, and the pressure to perform. It’s a fictional story, but one that resonates deeply with real-life chefs and restaurant workers.
Learn more about The Bear here:
Why Does This Happen?
The restaurant industry is uniquely vulnerable:
- Culture of toughness: Vulnerability is often seen as weakness.
- Substance normalization: Alcohol and drugs are readily available and sometimes used to cope.
- Lack of mental health support: Few kitchens offer resources or safe spaces to talk.
- Financial instability: Many workers live paycheck to paycheck, compounding stress.
Anthony Bourdain spoke candidly about his battles with addiction and depression. Anne Burrell’s death and The Bear’s storyline remind us that even those who seem joyful and successful on the outside may be suffering silently.
What Can We Do as Diners?
If you love food, travel, and the people who make it all happen, here’s how you can help:
- Be kind: A smile, a “thank you,” or a compliment can go a long way.
- Be patient: Mistakes happen. The kitchen is chaos. Grace matters.
- Tip generously: Many workers rely on tips to survive.
- Support mental health initiatives: Donate to organizations like Ben’s Friends or Chefs with Issues.
- Speak up: If you know someone in the industry struggling, reach out. Listen. Encourage them to seek help.
Resources That Matter
Here are a few organizations making a difference:
- Ben’s Friends – A support group for chefs and hospitality workers in recovery.
- Chefs with Issues – A platform raising awareness about mental health in the culinary world.
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 24/7 support for anyone in crisis.
Something To Think About
At Undercover Jetsetter, we toast the brilliance of chefs and the magic they create. But we also honor their humanity. Behind every plate is a person—often exhausted, often hurting, but still showing up to serve.
Let’s be diners who nourish not just our bodies, but the spirits of those who feed us.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep bringing you Jetsetter-approved tips, recipes, and sips. Thank you!
John Daly and Susan Anzalone are the Co-Creators and Co-Hosts of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, and booze. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone. Join them for tips and hacks on the road, at home, or in the kitchen, and all over the world. And yes, as you will see, all on the iPhone. Susan is an expert in food and wine since her childhood days in Australia and then the United States, being the daughter of two lifelong employees of Pan Am Airlines. John is also a world traveler starting when he studied in Italy through his alma mater Providence College. John is also a Nevada Hall of Fame Broadcaster during his years as a Las Vegas news anchor at KTNV. He gained international fame as the host of the first all-video news magazine show, Real TV while also securing his bartending and mixology credentials from the Harvard Bartending School. You can follow them here on the free Wingding app on the Food and Travel Channels, on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram.