A LOT can change in a year, and no one knows this better than Glasgow footballer Aaron Connolly.

This time last year, the 28-year-old St. Roch's player found himself in hospital recovering from a suicide attempt after years of struggling with his mental health.

On the same date a year on, Aaron, who is from Newton Mearns,was eating pizza with his four year old son, Ruairi.

Aaron took to Twitter to note the occasion, writing: "Life is worth living I promise! Remind someone today that they aren't alone. Times are hard right now & people need to know."

Speaking to The Glasgow Times, Aaron said: "This time last year I was struggling so much, I thought suicide was my only option to deal with how I felt.

"I could never imagine that in a year I'd be sitting with my boy eating a pizza.

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"It is a simple message that I wanted to give out: that life gets better and you can come from where I was a year ago and find that life is worth living."

Last year, Aaron was missing for over 20 hours after a night out in Edinburgh before he was found by police and admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

He spent nine weeks in hospital, adjusting to new medication and learning to deal with his depression. Aaron wants to help others understand the recovery process.

Glasgow Times:

Aaron said: "I don't think there is any one size fits all answer to this.

"Recovery is an ongoing thing. You have to open a lot of wounds and I think a lot of people don't understand that you don't wake up better one day - some days are much harder than others.

"If I look back to the five weeks that I spent in hospital, the early stages were just about starting on medication and learning how to speak about my mental health.

"A lot of recovering was to understand that I could speak to people, and there is no shame in it."

In reconnecting with his family, Aaron says he has learned to "be present".

He said: "I've re-engaged at home, made sure I have time to play power rangers with my wee boy. I'm at home more with my wife and son, and have tried to teach myself to be present in the moment more."

Aaron, a former East Kilbride Thistle striker, has worked this year to launch Time To Tackle, a football therapy group.

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Aaron said: "When I play football, I don't think of anything else. It's always been there for me.

"Time to tackle gives the opportunity to help play football and not worry about performance or results, just people playing and talking. You have the opportunity to speak and open up, in a safe environment with people with similar experience.

Rachel Cackett, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “We can all struggle to cope at times and when you are feeling this way it can be difficult to see beyond your current situation.

"But as Aaron’s moving personal story shows, things can get better and reaching out - whether that’s to family, friends or a helpline like ours - can be an important first step to help you feel more positive about the future.

"Aaron’s story is a powerful reminder of why - particularly during this difficult time - it’s vital we look after our mental health and look out for one another. Simple, practical steps like making time for things you enjoy - whether that’s playing football in the garden or taking a break with a favourite movie or book - and staying in touch to family and friends by message, phone or video chat, can help you to clear your head and feel connected.

"If you are struggling to cope, Samaritans is here for you, day or night. You can talk to us about whatever is on your mind and we’ll be here to listen, no judgement, no pressure . Call us free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.”