At the end of this month (January 26 & 27) Abettor Brewing, our Test Kitchen brewery, has been invited to “THE BEER FEST” sponsored by Wichita Brewing Company.
The festival was designed by Cody Sherwood, the head brewer for Wichita Brewing Company, to raise awareness for mental health within our industry.
The attempt was to invite a brewery from every state to attend. He succeeded in getting representation from 25 different states. Luckily we were the ones asked from Kentucky.
I don’t have a lot of positive experiences from COVID and 2020, but having time to connect with other industry professionals over social media was one of them.
At the time we were still a tiny brewery working on our SABCO XL system and learning a ton from every batch. Building relationships across the country during this time quickly elevated our products and my abilities as a brewer.
Sherwood was one of those who would keep us all entertained with his memes and reels as we worked through the difficult days not knowing when normalcy would return. He was also a critical resource in following beer trends across the country and daily brewing practices.
Even almost five years into brewery ownership it’s still exciting to be invited to events. Especially ones that are centered around something as important as mental health.
Our industry has so many positives, but just as in all industries, it comes with its ups and downs; and not just for owners, but for all employees.
Additionally, adding the alcohol element into our industry can make times easier, but also the mental health struggles are sometimes darker.
“In my opinion, Mental Health cripples our industry more than anything,” Sherwood explained. “I’ve always been good at throwing a party, so I decided to throw a rager for a cause important to me.”
Sherwood’s openness about the mental health challenges faced within the brewing world highlights a deeply rooted issue that stretches far beyond craft beer.
The camaraderie, creativity, and celebration that define the industry can sometimes mask underlying struggles—especially when alcohol, a socially acceptable but potentially destructive substance, is so deeply embedded in daily operations.
For many, the line between casual drinking and dependency blurs quietly, often unnoticed until it begins to affect relationships, productivity, and overall well-being. That’s why it’s vital to talk openly about these issues and create spaces where support is readily available.
Resources like Addiction Treatment Services play a crucial role in this journey, offering structured, compassionate care that helps individuals reclaim their lives without judgment.
By acknowledging that mental health and addiction are intertwined, particularly in industries centered around alcohol, we take a critical step toward healing—not just for individuals, but for entire communities built around hospitality and connection.
In the same way that addiction can stealthily undermine one’s sense of stability, anxiety often lurks beneath the surface in fast-paced, socially driven industries, subtly eroding confidence and focus until it feels overwhelming.
Whether it’s constant worry about meeting production deadlines, the pressure of hosting large events, or the relentless tempo of hospitality work, anxiety can escalate into persistent physical symptoms—racing heart, insomnia, muscle tension—that interfere with everyday life.
Recognizing these warning signs and seeking early intervention is crucial, which is why access to specialized psychiatry services makes all the difference: with comprehensive assessments, personalized treatment plans, and both therapy and medication options, professionals ensure that individuals receive tailored care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
For those in need of anxiety help Florida, expert clinicians offer evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral techniques alongside thoughtful medication management to target the underlying sources of distress and restore a sense of balance.
By addressing anxiety head-on, communities within brewing, hospitality, and beyond can cultivate healthier work environments where creativity and camaraderie aren’t overshadowed by unseen mental health challenges.
Sherwood donates to a local charity in Wichita that offers free mental health services to anyone free of charge.
While this event will be one to remember, and customers and brewers alike will be responsibly enjoying our products, funds will be raised to assist those with mental health needs in the future.
The pressures of running a business, maintaining creative output, and managing employees often take a toll, not just on the owners but across the workforce.
Coupled with the complexities of alcohol use, it’s easy to see how mental health struggles can become more pronounced, creating a need for greater awareness and support systems within the community.
Thankfully, initiatives like Sherwood’s event are setting an example by merging celebration with a deeper cause, showing that addressing mental health doesn’t have to come at the cost of enjoying life.
There are also other valuable resources that can be explored, such as Brain Balance on LinkedIn, which provides a platform for discussing brain health and offering practical solutions for managing stress and emotional wellness. By raising awareness and funds for mental health services, events like these highlight the importance of creating safe spaces in industries where the lines between work and well-being can often blur.
Hopefully, this will be the first of many and open up more dialogue for mental health awareness within our industry.
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