Behind the glamor and dazzling life of the porn industry, there is a hidden reality which often remains behind the scenes. From mental health problems, physical abuse, and social repression to personal struggles, artistes in this industry face many difficulties. Many former artists have exposed the dark world behind this glamor by sharing their stories.
Life in the grip of drugs and depression
Many actors working in the porn industry become addicted to drugs and alcohol. A former artist said, “It is an empty lifestyle, in which people try to fill the emptiness inside themselves.” Often, artists have to deal with their emotional pain with the help of drugs and alcohol.
This results in mental health. Many artists have tried to commit suicide due to depression. Excessive consumption of drugs badly affects not only their physical but also their mental condition, making them unable to come out of this darkness.
pain of physical and mental trauma
Artists have to face physical violence during porn shooting. An actress said, “I was beaten several times during the shooting. “The girls would start crying because of the pain, and sometimes I couldn’t even breathe.”
Such incidents force artists to suffer from long-term mental trauma (PTSD) and other mental health problems. Repeated exploitation and humiliation crushes their self-esteem, making them prone to suicidal thoughts.
lack of mental health support
It is almost impossible to get mental health help in the porn industry. Artists who seek help are often judged by therapists.
An actress said, “Whenever I approached for counseling and told about my profession, they considered it to be the root of all my problems.”
In such circumstances, artists do not get solutions to their problems. They do not find a suitable platform to express their feelings, which further increases their struggle.
Struggle to leave the industry
Leaving the porn industry is no less than a challenge. A male artist said, “Sex is a skill that is not used in any other profession. “I can’t include this on my resume.”
This leaves artists with limited employment options. The society also refuses to accept them, making them unable to live a normal life.
Cyberbullying and online harassment
Social media has further increased the problems of porn artists. They constantly face hate messages, threats, and cyberbullying.
In 2017–18, in just three months, five female artistes committed suicide, most of whom were victims of cyber harassment. These incidents highlighted the unsafe conditions of people working in this industry.
health risks
Porn artists also face serious health problems. Male actors often rely on ED (erectile dysfunction) medications, which can be harmful if used over a long period of time.
Additionally, there is always a risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Often unsafe shooting conditions further increase these risks.
