Matt Pritchard first made his name as a professional skateboarder before rising to fame in the early 2000s as one of the stars of MTV’s Dirty Sanchez. The show’s chaotic stunts and notoriety brought him worldwide attention, but also led to years of excess and personal struggle once the cameras stopped rolling.

In the years since, he has rebuilt his life through sobriety and fitness, channeling the same intensity that once fuelled his chaos into endurance sport. Today, he’s an Ironman, ultra-endurance athlete, and advocate for mental wellbeing.

November is Men’s Mental Health Month. A time to talk, to listen, and to look at strength in a different way.

For years, Pritchard’s life revolved around chaos. From Dirty Sanchez to wild stunts, heavy drinking, and drugs, he was the man who would do anything for a reaction, living fast and burning through everything in his way.

But the party always ends.

When the cameras stopped and the hangovers hit harder, the laughter faded. What followed wasn’t fame, it was anxiety, shame and silence. That was the moment he realised it was time to change. “Sort it out, or it’s game over.”

From Chaos to Control

His recovery didn’t begin in therapy or with a long-term plan. It started with movement.

He swapped old habits for new ones. Signed up for an Ironman. Then ten in ten days. Then he rowed the Atlantic. Each challenge became a way to quiet the noise and find focus.

Training became more than exercise. It became therapy. The structure, the routine and the physical effort gave him something alcohol never could: control.

Every mile and every rep was a step toward clarity. It was no longer about medals or records. It was about purpose.

How Training Helps the Mind

Exercise does not fix everything, but it helps. Movement changes chemistry. It releases tension. It gives you something to work towards.

For Mat, training is now his daily reset. Whether it’s lifting weights, swimming, cycling or running, it gives him space to process things and keep moving forward.

He says it best: “When I’m training, the noise in my head goes quiet.”

Opening the Conversation

Men are still less likely to talk about mental health. Many grow up believing that struggling means weakness. But real strength is being honest enough to admit when things are not right, and brave enough to do something about it.

Mat’s story shows that change is possible. It takes time, patience, and work, but it starts with a single choice to look after yourself.

Whether that means reaching out to a friend, going for a run, or picking up a weight, every small action counts.

Supporting the Cause

This month, BLK BOX has donated to The Ben Raemers Foundation, a charity chosen by Mat. that raises awareness around mental health and suicide prevention in the skateboarding community.

You can support them too. Donate here.