Suicide and mental health struggles have long existed within action sports culture…

The unspoken expectation to always be stoked, to live fast, ride hard, and project a picture-perfect lifestyle. Careful to never show a rip in the seams, because if there is one, chances are, you aren't seamless…  which can feel like you’re not “living your best life.” That pressure has created stigma, making it difficult to admit when something isn’t okay. As a result, talking openly about mental health or asking for help can feel impossible, or like a complete failure… simply because we are expected to always be “okay.”

Before S.T.A.Y., there were no spaces within action sports where these realities could be openly acknowledged—where conversations could be normalized, or where people could find safe and appropriate resources, support, and a sense of belonging when they were struggling or simply needed help. Too often, these conversations surfaced briefly before fading away, left behind as a record screeching to a halt at a social gathering or expiring after 24 hours in a social media archive: easy to shame, easy to scroll past, and rarely held with care and intention.

S.T.A.Y. was founded in 2021 by Desiree Melancon to challenge the stigma and change the way we talk about suicide and mental health within action sports. Many of the people behind S.T.A.Y. have lived this reality themselves. We’ve faced our own mental health challenges and witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of suicide within our circles of friends, family, and community.

The journey to where S.T.A.Y. is today has been one of trial, learning, and growth. We didn’t always know what we were becoming or the best ways to support our community, and we didn’t always get it right! But we do know why we’re here.

What began as an art project has grown into something much larger.

Since 2021, S.T.A.Y. has become an organization rooted in education, connection, care, and action. We have created spaces where conversations about mental health and suicide are not only welcomed but held with intention. Through community events, workshops, and mental health programming, we’ve brought people together to learn, reflect, create, and remind one another that they are not alone.

We partner with mental health professionals, magazines, brands, resorts, athletes, shops, and artists to provide education, suicide prevention training, and free resources designed for the action sports community. We offer grief support for those navigating loss, and scholarships to help individuals access substance use treatment when financial barriers stand in the way. Each step forward has been guided by the belief that support should be accessible, stigma should be challenged, and community care should be ongoing. 

S.T.A.Y. exists to remind people that help is possible, conversations matter, and connection saves lives. We are here to normalize the conversation, to meet people where they are, and to build a culture where no one feels they have to carry their struggles alone.

We are proud and deeply honored to continue this work alongside the people who make it possible…. our team, our partners, you, and the communities we all belong to. Together, we are creating space, sharing resources, and showing up for one another.