Why So Sad Skateboard: Reasons Why Skateboarders Sometimes Feel Blue

Skateboarding is often associated with an image of fun, adventure, and freedom – the very qualities that have attracted millions of enthusiasts worldwide. However, skateboarding can also be a challenging and demanding activity that requires a lot of physical and mental effort. As such, it’s not uncommon for skateboarders to experience a range of emotions, from excitement and joy to frustration and sadness.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why skateboarders might feel sad or blue at times. We’ll delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of skateboarding, as well as the physical toll that this activity can take on the body. Ultimately, we hope to shed light on a topic that is often overlooked, but one that is essential for a healthy and vibrant skateboarding community.

Table of Contents

The Physical Toll of Skateboarding: Why It Can Lead to Sadness

Skateboarding involves a lot of physical wear and tear on the body. The repetitive motions of skateboarding can cause joint pain, muscle strains, and even fractures and sprains. These injuries can take a toll on a skateboarder’s physical health and cause them to feel down and depressed.

In addition to the physical injuries, skateboarding also requires a lot of persistence and practice to master. When a skateboarder is trying to learn a new trick or maneuver, they may experience frustration and disappointment when they are unable to accomplish their goals. This can lead to feelings of discouragement and sadness, as they may feel like they are not making progress and may never be able to achieve the level of skill they desire.

The Social Challenges of Skateboarding: Feelings of Exclusion and Rejection

Skateboarding may seem like a solo activity, but it is actually a very social sport as well. Being a part of the skateboarding community is important for many skateboarders, but it can also lead to feelings of exclusion and rejection. Skateboard culture can be intimidating, and fitting in can be difficult for those who are new or different.

Skatepark culture can also be a challenge for skateboarders. It can sometimes feel like there are only certain types of people who are accepted, which can be isolating for those who don’t fit that mold. In addition, many skateboarders face prejudice and discrimination from the general public for their style, dress, and attitudes, which can be hard to deal with on a regular basis. All of these factors can contribute to feelings of sadness, frustration, and disappointment for skateboarders, especially those who are just starting to get involved in the sport.

Getting Injured: The Mental and Emotional Struggles of Recovery

Skateboarding is a challenging activity that requires skill, courage, and dedication. Unfortunately, there is always a risk of getting injured while skateboarding. Injuries can happen to anyone, whether it be a beginner or an expert skateboarder. For skateboarders, getting injured can be an emotionally and mentally challenging experience.

The process of recovering from an injury can take some time and can be frustrating to many skateboarders. This is because skateboarding is more than just a sport; it is a way of life for many people. When a skateboarder is injured, they not only lose the ability to skate but also the daily routine, social interaction, and the sense of accomplishment they get from doing what they love. The rehabilitation process can be isolating and can lead to negative emotions such as depression and anxiety, which can further exacerbate the injury.

Skateboarding as a Career: The Pressures and Uncertainty of Making a Living from it

Skateboarding has evolved from being just a hobby to an established industry. With the rise of professional skateboarders and skate companies, more and more people are choosing to pursue skateboarding as a career. However, the road to becoming a successful professional skateboarder is not easy. It is a highly competitive field with uncertain financial prospects, making it difficult for skateboarders to overcome the pressures of making a living from it.

Professional skaters face many challenges, including the risk of injury, the constant need to practice new tricks, and the pressure to maintain sponsorships. The industry is also highly subjective, with sponsored skaters relying on the approval of their sponsors and fans to make a living. Moreover, the lifespan of a skateboarder’s career is typically short, and the financial rewards can be fleeting. These factors can contribute to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, making it difficult for skateboarders to maintain their mental and emotional well-being.

Skateboarding and Identity: What Happens When Your Passion Defines You

Skateboarding is more than just a sport or hobby for many individuals. It can become a part of their identity, a defining aspect of who they are. When skateboarding becomes a crucial part of one’s identity, facing challenges in this sport can also affect their self-worth and their overall happiness.

Some skateboarders may struggle with their sense of self when they are unable to skate as they once did or face criticism from others. Additionally, if a skateboarder experiences injury or can no longer skate due to age or other reasons, they may feel a deep sense of loss and struggle to find a new sense of identity. It is important for skateboarders to remember that their identity is not solely defined by their ability to skateboard, and they can continue to explore other interests and passions as they evolve.

Burnout and Fatigue: The Risks of Overcommitting to Skateboarding

Skateboarding is an intense physical activity that requires a lot of energy and commitment. Skateboarders often push themselves to the limit, trying to learn new tricks and perfect their techniques. However, overcommitting to skateboarding can lead to burnout and fatigue.

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Skateboarders who overcommit to skateboarding may experience burnout, as their bodies and minds become overworked. This can lead to a loss of motivation, decreased performance, and even physical injuries. Fatigue, on the other hand, is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion that can be caused by a lack of rest or sleep. Skateboarders who overcommit to skateboarding may not allow enough time for rest and recovery, leading to fatigue and reduced performance. To avoid burnout and fatigue, skateboarders should make sure to set realistic goals, take breaks when needed, and prioritize rest and recovery.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: The Intersection of Skateboarding and Addiction.

Skateboarding has been universally acknowledged as a form of recreation and exercise. But, like any other activity, it carries certain risks and uncertainties. Unfortunately, the skateboarding culture has been known to harbor a substance abuse problem that often leads to poor mental health. According to several studies, skateboarding attracts individuals whose risk-taking behavior predisposes them to addiction. Substance abuse adds up to the mental stress that a skateboarder may already be experiencing, making navigating through personal and professional life even more challenging.

For some skateboarders, drugs and alcohol provide an escape from the pressures of competition and external stressors. In addition, social norms in the skateboarding community glorify substance use, making skateboarding events an environment that encourages such behavior. The unhealthy expectations, combined with the physical strain of professional skateboarding, could lead to addiction. However, with the right interventions, substance abuse among skateboarders can be managed positively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is imperative that we recognize the impact that skateboarding has on mental health and well-being. Skateboarding is not just about performing tricks, but it’s also a therapeutic activity that can bring joy, relieve anxiety, and help cope with stress. Therefore, as a society, we need to encourage the growth and development of skateboarding culture and support the mental health benefits that come with it.

Moreover, we need to make sure that individuals with mental illnesses have access to skateboarding as a form of therapy. Skateparks and other facilities should be created and designed with mental health in mind, where people can come together to skate and connect with others who share similar struggles. In doing so, we can help more people find an outlet for their emotions and work towards building a healthier, happier society.