Skateboarding influencer John Hill has been quite open about his struggles with skating, art, and life in general but, when it comes to mental health, the 31-year-old we think of the affable and funny skater prancing around the street is not feeling good about depression.
The thing about depression, though, is that it can come for anyone, and Hill has now opened up his acute struggles on major depressive disorder even though he had a lot of fun skateboarding.
"I had a lot of fun today and no matter what my brain tells me, what's the point? Why are you going to that? Why are you going to do this?" He explained. "I know for a fact that I had fun today skateboarding. I know for a fact that I feel better going out today filming, being productive, making a product."
The South Carolina native knows how good he feels. However, he said that it is the afterward of being home and sick - questioning himself about his purpose in life.
Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in adults, and some may feel reluctant to seek help.
Last year, we lost the young and talented skateboarder Henry Gartland due to suicide, and before that, pro skater Ben Raemers’ tragic death hit hard the skate industry.
Sadness, feeling down and having a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities are familiar feelings for all of us. But if they persist and affect our lives substantially, the issue may be depression.
"I think you'd be surprised at how many skateboarders deal with pretty harsh mental health issues and how many skateboarders I think, especially in my generation came from troubled past where they used skateboarding to kind of get out in the streets and to kind of be anywhere and everywhere and disobey kind of rules that society put before them," Hill said.
The Revive skateboards rider is trying his best to find his way slowly but surely to figure out his place on earth. We hope this is not the end of Hill producing content and skating for fans.
Thankfully, Hill is getting in much better situation with his positive mental attitude no matter how many hurdles he is facing.