DOUG BROWN SKATE STRAIGHT

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Words by Doug Brown-

Help / Outreach

Whether you are a teacher, student, or a construction worker we all have resources of outreach and help. The hardest part in seeking help is that initial first step. It can take courage to face a problem but the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Whether you are depressed, have a drinking problem, being bullied at school, or what ever your dilemma is it's important you talk to someone. Your most reliable sources will be people like your parents, school counselors, teachers, or relatives. If you are in need of professional help going to a therapist, rehab, or a specialty institution can having lasting positive effects.

Again, it's the courage to get help that will save yourself in the long run. It can take a lot of trust to reach out for help. People like your parents or teachers have most likely been in a similar position at one time in their lives and can be a source of comfort and advice in seeking help. I know from personal experience being optimistic and having a positive outlook will carry you through hard times. In addition to reaching out for help it's important to find and embrace your anti-drug. For me it was and still is skateboarding, music, reading, movies, and more. I've said it before and I will say it again, find your natural highs they are everywhere.

What can you do?

Equally important as reaching out for help is the importance of giving help. We all have the unique ability to make a difference anyway we can, big or small. From doing volunteer work to the simple act of giving a friend some good advice or lending a caring ear. If you have a friend or relative that you see going down the wrong path or is sunk in depression your simple act of lending your voice and ear can help a great deal in their road to recovery.

Hope and optimism are both contagious. It takes courage and bravery to seek help and the same goes for giving help. But what's the alternative? If we care enough about someone or a group of individuals we should take the initiative to give help. Think of our mentors, teachers, doctors, and so on. Those who give without thought of reward, just the act of helping. There is a cycle and a sense to it all. Do what you can, where you can, to make a difference.

The Bully

Recently I received a concerning email from a young man. I had seen him a couple times at the same indoor skatepark in my home state. It was obvious he had his own style and we always talked about being original with our skateboarding. His email started with, "I'm thinking of quitting skateboarding." He was being bullied and other skaters were poking fun of his tricks and were discouraging him from skating the way he wanted to. The depression underneath the paragraph was apparent. To me this wasn't just about skateboarding. Although it sickens me that something representing freedom and creativity has a population of people conforming and not accepting diversity in people. When I got into skating at the age of twelve it was to be an individual, to be part of something that had no rules or creative limitations. Being a big advocate of keeping skateboarding creative I encouraged him to never stop and to focus on what skating does for him personally. We should never change ourselves because someone or a group wants us to conform to their narrow definition of what cool is. As compassionate human beings we have a responsibility to accept and understand our differences. Innovation should be celebrated in any art form and not discouraged. A bullier or hater doesn't understand empathy and there's something within themselves causing them to be insecure and ignorant. Stand strong and be free to be yourself. It's a big world out there, so get out there and skate it... not hate it.

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