I'm a food writer who's too close to this topic to write about it coherently, but as a former food business owner who has lost everything twice to circumstances beyond my control, I'm begging my media comrades: focus less on gift cards, more on mental health & inevitable loss 1/
The losses this industry is about to fact aren't just restaurants, and it's not just employees. I have nearly downed all my pills more than a few times while at the bottom. Not mincing words: we're facing a outbreak of suicides and substance abuse relapses. 2/
Those are the most uncomfortable words I have typed in a long time. Maybe ever. I know we don't want to think about it, but it needs to be done, because when you've lost your business, your job, all your money and staring down losing everything else, things get bad. 3/
I honestly I don't know what to say right now that can match the gravity of this situation. Yes, the world is better with you in it. Yes, we'll find a way forward, because we always do. Business owners are scrappy motherfuckers. Remember it's not just you: it's everyone. 4/
in the same boat as hundreds of thousands of other people. You are not alone. Sometimes the best thing you can do is let go, accept the inevitable, and figure out a new way forward. I wish someone had given me this advice back when this happened to me. 5/
For those of you who are not in the industry: your gift cards are sweet, but they won't help. What WILL help: check on your industry friends every day. Be emotional support. Remind them they are not alone in this. Remind them that we'll find a way forward. 6/
I'm sorry I had to bring up suicide, but someone had to. I've been so close. I almost lost my husband to it. It was the worst, most terrifying year of my life. You suffer in silence, because no one can understand what you're going through. But this time, it's different. 7/
This time, it's hundreds of thousands of restaurants going under at the same time. While that's horrifying, there's hope in that, because no one is alone. We need to focus on bringing the industry together for emotional support as we begin to accept reality. 8/
JESUS FUCKING CHRIST THIS IS FUCKING TERRIBLE.
~fin~
~fin~
