World Mental Health Day is recognized around the globe on October 10. It is a day to raise awareness of mental health education and advocate against social stigma. This year, the theme is “Mental Health At Work” — a theme fitting for our community. Being a sex worker or content creator can be so liberating, but it can also be isolating. Sometimes in this line of work, it can feel as if there is no one to talk to. Mental health does not discriminate. That is why it is important to reach out for help when you need it. Thankfully there are many resources that specialize in sex work, some of which we have listed here. We encourage you to bookmark them for future use.
One of these resources is Pineapple Support, a free support and therapy service for all persons working in the online adult industry, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, social status, age or sexual orientation. Their team of sex-worker friendly, kink-aware therapists offer face-to-face and online video therapy sessions. They operate 24/7 and raise funds to help with the costs of professional coaching, counselling and therapy for those who need it. Aiming to destigmatize pornography and demystify porn consumption as harmful, they position porn as a tool for adults to explore gender identities and discover and fulfill desires. This is not an alternative to sex education, but rather a resource for discovery.
More recently we partnered with The Cupcake Girls, an organization that provides advocacy and referral services to consensual sex workers and prevention and aftercare services to those affected by sex trafficking. They provide nonjudgmental support to empower program participants in their pursuits through respect, resources, and relationships. Their commitment to the support, well-being, safety and success of independent creators makes The Cupcake Girls an excellent resource for those seeking to improve or educate themselves on mental health.
If you are a sex worker who is currently incarcerated or seeking re-entry, you may want to check out SWOP Behind Bars. The Sex Workers Outreach Project Behind Bars is a national grassroots social justice network dedicated to the fundamental human rights of sex workers, victims of trafficking, and their communities. They have a community support line you can call if you are experiencing a crisis or need someone to talk to. They also provide newsletters, mentorships by mail, and more.
Last is our very own Sexual Wellness Center, a resource for topics including everything from love and sex to health. The captain of the ship is Dr. Laurie Betito, a distinguished broadcaster, author, clinical psychologist, speaker, and creator of two TEDx Talks. A wide variety of authors contribute articles, covering topics from communication and orgasms to STI information and more. Make sure to check out Passion With Dr. Laurie Betito & Jon Pole, a podcast that often touches on subjects surrounding mental health.
Taking care of your mental health is a year-round necessity. If you are struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek help from these or other resources. And finally, don’t forget to check in on your loved ones.
If you would like to ensure your community is supported during tough times, please consider making a charitable donation to these organizations. You can donate to Pineapple Support here, The Cupcake Girls here, and SWOP Behind Bars here.
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