A BRAVE young Greenock man who hit rock bottom following the death of his mum when he was just 18 has become a mental health ambassador after battling back from the brink.

Morton fan Andrew Barnsley was ready to take his own life on numerous occasions after struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of his mother Linda Barnsley, who died suddenly from heart failure two years ago aged just 46.

Left without his best friend and having to figure out how to fend for himself, it all became too much and led to severe depression and anxiety.

Andrew says that at his lowest point, taking his own life seemed like the only option and he even had a suicide note written out.

The 21-year-old has now courageously spoken out about his struggles to give hope to others going through a hard time.

He became a social media hit for sharing his story through his Instagram page, 'Behind the Smile', which now has almost 6,000 followers and led to him becoming an ambassador for Scottish mental health charity Back Onside.

Andrew said: "I've been far enough to be ready to kill myself.

"I've had my suicide note ready and been all set to do it. "I bottled it several times and couldn't go through with it and would break down in tears every single time.

"When people have suicidal thoughts it is guaranteed that they will disappear eventually and it is about occupying the mind until they do.

"I used to sit and let them get worse and worse but what to do now is I get up and get myself busy until they do pass, like go for a walk with the dog or clean.

"Eventually the storm will pass."

Andrew grew up in Weir Street but moved to Paisley with his mum and older brother Martin, 22, when they were younger.

His whole family are from Greenock and he had a spell living with his grandparents in the east end following the death of his mum.

Andrew initially though he had a physical illness before doctors discovered he was struggling mentally.

He told the Tele: "It started when my mum passed away at the start of 2018 when I was 18, but it didn't come to the surface until a while later.

"She was only 46 and it was sudden. "My mum was my best mate.

"She was there for everything and did everything for me. "When she passed I had to grow up quickly and adapt fast.

"It was only a couple of months ago I properly came out the other end.

"I just stood up and fought back."

Andrew said he initially kept his feelings hidden behind a 'fake smile' but realised it was far better to get everything out in the open.

He uses his Instagram page as a way of doing that and helping others at the same time.

He said: "I used to be scared to let people know how I felt.

"I'm not like that anymore and I can let it out. "If I can help one person I'm happy."

Since taking to social media to discuss his experiences, he has been inundated with messages of support. Andrew said: "I set up this daft page and now charities and people want to talk to me.

"I had a meeting with Back Onside and we spoke for a good few hours and asked if I would be an ambassador.

"They are looking after me first and foremost with counselling but they want me to go out and talk to people. "It's such a big thing for me."

To follow Andrew, visit www.instagram.com/behind.the.smile1