In just 21 years, Cooper Whitestyles has endured 40 operations on his legs and spine with complications from his condition threatening paralysis, all while being bullied due to dwarfism.
He has plenty of reasons to feel defeated, but instead he is using his experience to help others face their own mental health challenges.
The Mackay resident is also wanting to use his accomplishments in the sporting arena to mentor local teams to identify those who are struggling.
"I had a phone call from a close family member recently who was really struggling and was asking for help," Mr Whitestyles said.
"It's not a nice feeling. Having those people think like that is heartbreaking. But I'm glad they reached out to me and I could help."
Mental health buddies
Since launching Join a Buddy on social media two weeks ago, teams from a number of sporting codes have already asked Mr Whitestyles to speak to players.
He said sport was the ideal place to raise awareness of mental health and the benefits of asking for help and support.
"Sport is where people go to relieve stress. But when you're on the field you're not talking about it, it's just relieving what's been built up."
"It might help for the 80 minutes that you're on the field, but afterwards it's still there.
Mr Whitestyles said having a buddy, rather than a family member, as support could be the key to people seeking help.
"Telling those closest to you can be the hardest thing because you know they're going to hurt for you," he said.
"It's different telling your family from telling a mate."
Using negative experiences to change lives
Mr Whitestyles said he was lucky to have a strong support network around him as he had to become mentally strong dealing with bullying and the impacts of continued surgeries.
"Going out in public is always hard, there are always sniggers and stares. I know there are people out there who don't understand," he said.
While the program is only in the planning stages, Mr Whitestyles is already thinking about how it could be expanded to run across Queensland and eventually the country.
Changing the game
The sporting arena has previously been identified as a way to start conversations around mental health, with the Mackay Cutters rugby league team launching an initiative in 2016.
It followed the suicides of three players in 2013, including promising teenager Alex Elisala.
Head of football Mitch Cook said the club wanted to be a leader in the community around mental health.
"It's important that people understand everyone has a part to play — from supporters, players, coaches, family members," Mr Cook said.
Mr Cook said the impact of the cancelled Queensland Cup season due to the pandemic gave the players and the club a chance to refocus.
"2020 was a tough year with the players having to find different purposes and passions outside of football," he said.
"But sharing what we've gone through is a great conversation starter."
