Young Scot sheds three stone in lockdown transformation after struggling with mental health – Daily Record

A young Scot who tipped the scales at the start of the year at 21 stone has shed three stone during lockdown.

Andrew Barnsleys weight ballooned as he struggled to cope following the sudden death of his mum.

The 21-year-old said he hit rock bottom when mum Linda Barnsley died age of heart failure two years ago at aged just 43.

The former call centre worker said he struggled with his mental wellbeing and would comfort eat to make himself feel better.

He told The Record: The trauma of losing my mum had a huge effect on my mental health.

"I'd comfort eat and the weight piled on, making me feel even worse.

"I had to leave my job and by January this year I felt at my worse.

"I'd written suicide notes and had it all planned out because I just didn't know how to go on."

But after Scotland was plunged into lockdown he decided to get his life back on track.

Andrew from Paisley, Renfrewshire, with the love and support of his family and girlfriend, Jenna Russell, 18, is now setting about making 2020 his year.

His progress has gone viral, after he showed off his weight loss and encouraged other young Scots to join him on taking back control of their own lives.

He says he feels physically and mentally and is now an ambassador for Scottish mental health charity, back onside.

He added: "My diet now compared to before is like night and day.

"I used to comfort eat and choose a lot of junk food.

"These days I eat healthy meals and low calorie snacks, and I drink three litres of water a day.

"Before lockdown I was going to the gym a lot, but now I go out running and do some weights at home.

"I have never felt happier."

His Instagram account, Behind The Smile, candidly discusses his mental health journey and the page has amassed over 5,500 followers.

With no plans to go back to his former size, Andrew hopes sharing his story will help others facing similar battles.

"I'm lost for words at how much better I feel in such a short space of time," he said.

"Everybody's weight and fitness struggles are different.

"We should use lockdown as a way to better ourselves. "

Andrew added: "My motto now is to always try to be better than yesterday.

"Take one day at a time and don't look back.

"Just look at where you want to be with your health and you'll get there."

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You can contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 116 123 or by visiting their website.

Follow Behind The Smile on Instagram.

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Young Scot sheds three stone in lockdown transformation after struggling with mental health - Daily Record