Understanding You

Sometimes we all have to stop for a moment and remember that the world is full of other people. We do not exist alone. The pandemic has forced some people into a world of isolation and loneliness which the world hasn’t seen for a very long time.

The more time we spend on our own the easier it is to forget that others are also potentially going through similar struggles both emotionally and physically. A simple “Hello”, or a brief “You ok?” message can mean the world to those in need of company.

Isolation cane very damaging as beneath it all humans are social creatures who require the presence of others, on an almost daily basis. Whilst we all like that time alone where we can treat ourselves to a candlelit bath, or movie with a glass of wine and a blanket, we do need to be with others.

Negative Effects Of Lockdown

Lockdown had so many effects on individuals and families. Some rediscovered the delights of what family and friends really mean. The internet was our saviour as video calls and messaging became ever present on a daily basis. However, others found the enforced closeness with family very hard to deal with.

Working from home became the norm. cats, dogs and children popping on work Zoom calls created internet sensations for some. Whereas those not used to this closeness found it very difficult to cope.

None more so, than those working int he adult sector. The income which their job provided and the interaction with other people was suddenly removed. This left a huge void financially and emotionally. The times spent alone seem to become more devoid of emotions as each day pass.

Sharing is Caring

A number of companies took this opportunity to create  forums and online groups for their workers to communicate with each other. Zoom meetings often started with a brief summary of your weekend activities, or nightly Netflix binge (without spoilers of course). This allows people to interact in a more personal way , giving them the chance to feel more connected to each other.

Time can be a great healer but it also gives us scope to really get to understand who we really are. Although difficult for some, being alone does give us the opportunity to discover and understand ourselves on a deeper level. Once we allow ourselves to accept the bad as well as the good, it’s much easier to work on the negative aspects.

Being Honest

Let’s be honest, if someone calls you lazy, or careless, our immediate reaction is one of defensiveness and feeling hurt. However, oftentimes in reality we know what they have said was true. Perhaps this is where the saying “you always hurt the one you love” comes from. It’s certainly relevant and in some ways designed to help is better ourselves.

Self improvement can only come if we are able to determine those things which do require some work or adjustments. A common way of dealing with this is to remember that there ae ma y people much worse off than we may be. Placing the focus on what the actual problem is can allow us to ascertain exactly how the issue fits into the grand scheme of things.

Kindness Patience and Tolerance

We do all need to take time for ourselves, indulge in our own inner beauty. If you are reading this I hope you are already thinking of the best parts of your soul and how you can improve other parts. Helping others and listening to what they are trying to say is key to seeing the beauty within. Being kind, patient and tolerant ae crucial assets which allows you to embrace life and everything that comes your way, good or bad.

It’s good to remember that;

Kindness is important

Patience is a virtue

Tolerance is essential

with love from,

Carla Sez

Pineapple Support Unveils New Initiatives in Latin America

Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is increasing its support for Spanish-speaking performers in Latin America with a free, drop-in support group, as well as the appointment of a localized Community Liaison Officer.

The monthly, drop-in support group, “WeCamToo Support Group,” will provide emotional support to webcam models and other sex workers in the digital space within Latin America and will be taught in Spanish by Pineapple Support therapist Yiset Mosquera Moreno. The group is free for Spanish-speaking performers in Latin America and will take place entirely online on the first Monday of each month, at 11AM PT.

Pineapple Support has appointed Moreno with the role of Community Liaison Officer for the Spanish-speaking adult community in Latin America. The newly appointed CLO will act as a localized, approachable, and trusted source of information for performers that want to know more about working with the organization.

“In my experience as a therapist working with sex workers – and considering the social stigma and emotional pressure that constantly rests on their shoulders, this line of work can often be pretty isolating,” says Moreno. “I’m proud to represent Pineapple Support within the adult community in Latin America, as well as helping to remove some of the barriers to performers here getting access to the essential mental health services they need.”

“Considering the social stigma and emotional pressure that constantly rests on their shoulders, this line of work can often be pretty isolating…”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, which is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has so far connected over 8,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“With so much of the industry based in South America, it’s critical that we expand our services there,” says Tanit. “With this group, we’ll create a safe space for Spanish-speaking webcam models – and all sex workers in the digital world – to feel understood, receive emotional support, and share their experiences with each other.”

The ongoing, monthly drop-in “WeCamToo Support Group” will take place entirely online on the first Monday of each month, at 11AM PT / 2PM ET / 7PM GMT / 8PM CET.

For more information about this support group and to reserve a place, visit our support groups page.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Pineapple Support and its services in Latin America, which also offers support groups, webinars, and other events, can contact Yiset Mosquera Moreno directly by email: yiset.mosquera@correounivalle.edu.co.