The United States is grappling with a youth mental health crisis, with one in six young people experiencing a mental health disorder annually, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This crisis is becoming increasingly pervasive, affecting millions of Americans. In response, a group of skaters in New York City is working to turn the skatepark into a sanctuary for mental well-being.
Frank “The Tank” Watkins, a seasoned skateboarder and graduate student in psychology, believes that the skatepark can be a vital space for emotional support. “When people feel like they’re having issues or they don’t fit in, a lot of times they end up at the skatepark,” Watkins says. For Watkins, the skatepark is more than just a place to ride; it’s a community and a “second home.”
Watkins, who has been skating for over 20 years, has witnessed firsthand how skateboarding can provide a sense of belonging, especially for those struggling with mental health challenges. He’s been involved with the Harold Hunter Foundation, which offers resources to urban youth through skateboarding, and aims to foster a supportive, inclusive environment for young skaters.
12-year-old Sora Kaneko-Wolfe, a skater who frequents the Pier 62 skatepark, echoes Watkins’ sentiment. “Everyone supports each other,” she says. “If you had a bad week, you can come here and talk to everyone and relieve your stress.” For many, the skatepark becomes a safe space to de-stress and connect with others, a vital resource in a society where mental health struggles are often overlooked.
The impact of skateboarding on mental health has drawn the attention of professionals as well. Adam Brown, a clinical psychologist and director of the New School Center for Global Health, has observed the positive effect skating can have on mental well-being. Inspired by campaigns like the “Why So Sad?” initiative, which focuses on mental health awareness, Brown partnered with Watkins to launch the Skate Mind Project.
The initiative aims to provide psychological first aid (PFA) training to skaters, equipping them with the tools to recognize when someone is struggling emotionally and how to offer support. Brown explains that PFA training is designed to teach individuals basic skills to help others in distress, ultimately increasing access to care for those who may not seek professional help on their own.
The first PFA training session, held in partnership with the NYC Skateboard Coalition, focused on three core principles: Look, Listen, and Link. Skaters learned how to spot signs of mental health distress, engage in supportive conversations, and connect individuals with professional help when necessary.
Rosa Chang, co-founder of Gotham Park, a local organization that helps revitalize public spaces, emphasizes the importance of skateparks as community hubs. “If you don’t have space to meet people and talk to people, then how do you form those relationships?” she asks. “Public spaces like skateparks are key to reaching people and building the muscle of mental health before it reaches a crisis point.”
As the Skate Mind Project continues to grow, Watkins and Brown hope to expand their PFA training program and make skateparks and skate shops even more integral to mental health support in the community. They are already planning collaborations with Gotham Park to extend their outreach.
Veteran skater Jon “Porkchop” Nicholson, who has been skating for over 30 years, believes that increasing mental health awareness in the skate community could have a profound impact. Having lost several friends to suicide and drug-related deaths, Nicholson sees the need for emotional support within the skating culture. “Even though skating is communal, skateboarders are also loners,” he says. “If you know how to handle your emotions, you’ll find better ways to self-regulate than some of the things you might find skating the streets alone.”
With a growing emphasis on mental health and community-building in the skate world, the initiative represents a promising step toward creating more supportive spaces for young people grappling with mental health challenges. By fostering open conversations and providing accessible tools for emotional support, the skate community hopes to play a pivotal role in combating the youth mental health crisis.
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