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Working in the service industry: Its effect on mental health

Kruti Quazi MA, LPC, CCTP, CDBT

MoodRx LLC

Introduction

The service industry is the backbone of many economies, employing millions worldwide in roles such as food service, retail, hospitality, and customer support. However, working in the service industry can be incredibly demanding, often requiring long hours, physically strenuous work, and direct customer interaction, which can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

Despite their essential contributions, service industry workers often face unique mental health challenges, exacerbated by job instability, low wages, and lack of employer-provided benefits. Understanding these issues and knowing how to cope with them is crucial for maintaining well-being. This article explores the common mental health struggles of service industry workers, offers coping strategies, and provides a real-world example of someone who successfully managed their mental health with therapy.

Common Mental Health Challenges in the Service Industry

1. High-Stress Environment and Burnout

Service industry jobs are notoriously fast-paced, requiring constant multitasking, patience, and emotional regulation. Employees must handle difficult customers, meet strict performance expectations, and endure physically taxing work. Chronic stress can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion characterized by:

  • Feeling detached from work
  • Reduced performance and motivation
  • Increased irritability and fatigue

2. Low Wages and Financial Stress

Many service jobs pay minimum wage, and workers often rely on tips to make ends meet. Financial instability can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that workers with unstable incomes are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, as financial precarity increases psychological distress.

3. Lack of Health Benefits and Access to Mental Health Care

A significant number of service industry workers lack employer-sponsored health insurance, making it difficult to afford mental health services. Without access to therapy, medication, or wellness programs, many workers struggle in silence, leading to worsening symptoms and long-term mental health issues.

4. Emotional Labor and Customer Interactions

Workers are expected to be cheerful and accommodating, even in the face of rude or aggressive customers. This “emotional labor” can be draining, leading to increased stress and frustration. Research published in Occupational Health Psychology indicates that employees who frequently suppress emotions at work are at higher risk for depression and anxiety.

5. Job Insecurity and Unpredictable Schedules

Many service industry workers experience unpredictable schedules, last-minute shift changes, and job insecurity. This lack of stability makes it difficult to plan for the future, maintain a work-life balance, and prioritize self-care.

Coping Strategies for Service Industry Workers

1. Prioritizing Mental Health Care

Seeking therapy can be a game-changer for managing stress, anxiety, and burnout. MoodRx (https://moodrx.com) provides evidence-based, non-toxic therapy options, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These therapies help individuals develop healthier thought patterns, regulate emotions, and build coping skills. You can book a session at https://moodrx.com/#book.

2. Setting Boundaries at Work

It’s essential to advocate for personal limits, such as:

  • Saying no to extra shifts when overwhelmed
  • Taking scheduled breaks
  • Avoiding taking work-related stress home

3. Developing Healthy Stress Management Techniques

Incorporating self-care practices can make a significant difference. Some effective techniques include:

  • Mindfulness and meditation: Helps reduce anxiety and improve focus
  • Regular exercise: Boosts mood and reduces stress
  • Journaling: Allows for emotional processing and self-reflection
  • Engaging in hobbies: Provides a necessary mental break from work stress

4. Seeking Support and Building a Community

Many workers feel isolated in their struggles. Finding support through friends, coworkers, or online communities can help. Joining a local support group or engaging in peer-led discussions about workplace mental health can offer reassurance and guidance.

5. Exploring Better Employment Opportunities

If a job becomes too overwhelming, considering a career transition or seeking employment with better working conditions may be beneficial. Programs that provide skill-building and career development resources can help workers transition into more stable jobs.

Real-Life Example: Overcoming Mental Health Struggles in the Service Industry

Meet Sarah: A Former Barista Who Found Balance Through Therapy Sarah, a 29-year-old barista, loved making coffee but struggled with high stress and customer interactions. Constantly dealing with rude customers and erratic shifts left her anxious, exhausted, and emotionally drained. Over time, she found herself experiencing panic attacks and frequent bouts of depression.

After months of struggling, Sarah decided to seek therapy through MoodRx (https://moodrx.com). Through weekly CBT sessions, she learned how to reframe negative thoughts, set healthy boundaries, and practice self-care. Her therapist helped her build coping strategies, such as deep breathing exercises and assertive communication techniques.

Over time, Sarah found balance by reducing her work hours, prioritizing self-care, and applying for jobs with more stable schedules. Today, she works in a coffee roastery with consistent hours and a supportive work environment. Her mental health has significantly improved, and she continues to use the tools learned in therapy.

How MoodRx Can Help

MoodRx is committed to providing accessible, evidence-based mental health care to service industry workers. Our licensed therapists specialize in CBT, DBT, and stress management techniques, ensuring that individuals receive the best care possible. We accept Medicare, Aetna, Optum, United Healthcare, Quest Behavioral Health, Magellan, and Ambetter in Pennsylvania. You can book an appointment today at https://moodrx.com/#book.

References

  1. “Burnout in the Service Industry: Causes and Coping Strategies.” JAMA Network Open. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/article/doi/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022
  2. “Income Instability and Psychological Distress Among Low-Wage Workers.” American Journal of Public Health. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306247
  3. “Emotional Labor and Mental Health: The Hidden Toll of Customer Service Work.” Occupational Health Psychology Journal. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10596011221094320
  4. “The Impact of Unstable Work Schedules on Mental Well-being.” Journal of Occupational Health Science. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187704282032145X
  5. “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Workplace Stress: A Systematic Review.” Clinical Psychology Review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027273582100110X

Keywords and Hashtags

#MentalHealth #ServiceIndustry #WorkplaceWellness #TherapyWorks #CBT #DBT #StressManagement #MoodRx #Anxiety #Burnout #CustomerService #EmployeeWellness

Experience Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy in Pennsylvania with MoodRx

At MoodRx, we provide science-backed online therapy to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Our licensed therapists specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—two of the most effective, research-supported approaches for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional regulation. In addition to CBT and DBT, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and more, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs. Unlike traditional therapy models that may feel invalidating or ineffective, we are committed to non-toxic therapy—ensuring a safe, supportive, and empowering space where you feel truly heard and valued.

All of our therapists are top-tier clinicians, state-licensed, and highly experienced, providing expert care tailored to your needs. We specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship challenges, work-related stress, self-esteem issues, life transitions, chronic illness management, faith-based counseling, and senior citizen mental health.

We make therapy accessible and affordable by accepting Medicare, Optum, United Healthcare, Magellan, Ambetter, and Quest Behavioral Health in Pennsylvania. For those without insurance, our direct-pay rates are highly affordable, and we accept HSA and FSA cards along with all major credit cards for payment.

You can book an appointment online at MoodRx.com, or call or text (863) 320-2545 to schedule. We also offer limited in-person appointments at our clinic located at 121 N Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA 19087.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be used as medical advice.  Names have been changed to protect patient privacy.  Please contact your doctor or therapist for proper medical advice or call/text MoodRx Therapy Network at 863-320-2545 to schedule an appointment with a therapist.