https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/former-cutters-inspired-reality-check/3756868/ IT TOOK a while for the reality of his friend's tragic death to set in for Jayden O'Shannessy. He was only 14, but as time went on he began to realise the devastating impact of mental illness. It became the catalyst for B-Happ-E. The business venture is a first for the now 20 year old, who is selling his own clothing brand to raise money for the Black Dog Institute. Mr O'Shannessy said the institute didn't "beat around the bush", and his experience had inspired him to help them break the stigma that men should not speak about their wellbeing. "I've had the idea for a while and it's a big part of my life. It kicked off six or seven years ago when I had a friend who committed suicide at such a young age," Mr O'Shannessy said. "It was always on my mind as I got older and older, and unfortunately Mackay has had a lot go on in that spectrum. "It's a scary thing, and I'm sure it happens everywhere, but when you're in the place itself you just want to help it out as much as you can." Mr O'Shannessy has used his platform as a teacher aide and athlete to spread his message.
He played with the Mackay Cutters last year, but withdrew from the club at the start of the 2019 season to focus on his off-field commitments. At the time, Cutters coach Steve Sheppard said the Sarina Crocodiles fullback was "a raw talent and has got things you can't coach". The sacrifice speaks volumes to the dedication Mr O'Shannessy has for mental health awareness, and he said his role working with Mackay primary school students had been a massive influence. "If I can kick it off from a young age with them it's quite a benefit for them when they get older," he said. "When they're in class and not quite engaged, or you can just tell there's some background stuff going on, I usually take them outside or throw the footy around with them - whatever they enjoy. "I've found if I just relate to them and get along with whatever they like they'll warm to me and find it easier to talk. "I'm not a professional, but I'm a listening ear and sometimes that's all it takes." Since launching his brand, Mr O'Shannessy has called on several high profile ambassadors to promote his message - Brisbane Broncos forward Jaydn Su'A, Gold Coast Titans prop Max King and singer-songwriter Takunda Chipangura. When professional boxer Liam Paro jumped on board, Mr O'Shannessy was over the moon. Now approaching the first anniversary of his business, he said it had been a learning curve adapting to fashion trends to ensure his brand was trending for sale. "If you don't do it right you're not going to sell it, and that's just less promotion for the mental health side of things," Mr O'Shannessy said. "I've been learning so much from it. I'll release one thing that (doesn't) really blow up ... but at the end of the day it's still promotion." To support B-Happ-E, visit www.bhappeco.com.
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AuthorA selection of my general news content. My main round was health, however I frequently covered weather, crime, politics and general human interest. Archives
January 2020
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