This work can be incredibly rewarding — and incredibly draining.
Burnout, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and emotional fatigue are common, not signs of weakness.
This page is about recognizing when you're struggling and building sustainable habits to protect your mental space.
Early signs (often ignored):
- Dreading sessions or promo work you used to enjoy
- Feeling numb/detached during or after meets
- Irritability, snapping at clients or friends over small things
- Trouble sleeping, even when exhausted
- Using substances/alcohol more to "wind down" or cope
- Physical symptoms: headaches, stomach issues, constant low energy
- Losing interest in hobbies, friends, or self-care outside work
Advanced signs (time to pause seriously):
- Crying spells, panic attacks, or feeling "trapped" in the industry
- Dissociation during sessions (feeling like you're watching yourself)
- Thoughts of self-harm or "I can't keep doing this"
- Isolation — avoiding peers, family, or support
If you're in crisis: Reach out immediately — text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line, US/Canada), call 988 (US Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or your local equivalent.
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Crisis support
- US: 988 (24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) | Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
- UK: Samaritans 116 123 | Shout: text SHOUT to 85258
- Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 | QLife (LGBTQ+) 1800 184 527
- Canada: 988 or Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566
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Sex-worker specific
- SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project) chapters — many offer peer counseling
- Hacking/Hustling mental health guides
- The Erotic Professional — therapist directory for providers
- Red Umbrella Fund — grants for mental health support in some regions
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Apps & Tools
- Daylio or Moodpath (mood tracking)
- Calm/Headspace (guided meditations — free trials)
- Finch (self-care app with virtual pet — surprisingly motivating)
- On a scale of 1–10, how emotionally drained do I feel right now?
- Have I had a full day off in the last week?
- Who can I talk to honestly about how I'm feeling?
- What’s one small thing that would recharge me today?
This is a living, breathing page.
Add your own coping strategies, favorite apps, affirming quotes, or local support groups you've found helpful.
No judgment — just real talk from people who understand.
Last updated: February 2026
💜 You are more than your work — rest when you need to