Pro skater and recovery advocate Brandon Turner is speaking from the heart about something that does not get talked about enough in skateboarding.
Over the years, parts of the skate world have been closely tied to partying, drinking, and drug use.
For some, it was just part of the culture. For others, it became something much heavier.
There have been real struggles behind the scenes, and in some tragic cases, lives have been lost to addiction and suicide.
It is a side of the industry that many people know about but do not always openly discuss.
Turner recently shared a personal moment that stayed with him.
While at a farmers market, a skateboarder approached him and opened up about battling mental health issues and alcohol problems.
According to Turner, it was not easy for that person to ask for help. You could sense how difficult it was just to say the words out loud.
That interaction led Turner to share a message publicly.
He told everyone that struggle is part of being human. People go through hard seasons. Some deal with anxiety, depression, addiction, or personal setbacks that are not visible on the outside.
His message was simple but important. We need to look out for one another. We need to make it normal to ask for help. And we need to listen when someone is brave enough to speak up.
Turner knows what he is talking about.
He has been open about his own battles with addiction in the past and how recovery changed his life.
Today, he runs West Side Recovery, a treatment center focused on helping people who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Through that work, he has seen firsthand how powerful it can be when someone decides to reach out instead of staying silent.
His words were direct and compassionate. We all go through things. We are not meant to handle everything alone.
Especially in the world we live in today, where pressure, comparison, and stress are constant, having a support system matters.
The message is not complicated. If you are struggling, speak up. If someone comes to you for help, be there.
Check in on your friends. Have real conversations. Offer support without judgment.
As Turner said, we as people need to be here for each other. And if you are dealing with mental health challenges or substance abuse, help is out there.
You are not alone.
Brandon Turner Posted:
"A skater approached me at the farmers market he was really struggling mentally and with alcohol. He was vulnerable enough to tell me his situation and I could tell it was hard for him to ask for help. I want to let everyone know we all struggle and go through things and you're not alone, especially in the world we live in today. Please have the courage to reach out for help. We as people need to be here for each other."
