A Glasgow City Football club star has shared her battle with mental health struggles - and is offering advice to those who may feel the same. 

In an interview with The Sports Chronicle, 24 year-old Clare Shine tells in her own words the advice that she would give to her younger self.  

The brave striker disclosed how she faced "dark thoughts" and used alcohol as a substitute to ease the pain before she attempted to commit suicide. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

She tells her younger self to be brave and take the advice and help that family and friends offer to her. 

She wrote: "It is my hope that sharing everything I have learned will help you to avoid making the same mistakes. While there are some things I wish I had done differently, I am now stronger for having come through certain experiences and wiser as to how to handle situations when they arise."

"You might think, for example, that alcohol is your best friend and helps to ease that pain. But I can assure you that it only feeds that devil on your shoulder telling you to have ‘one more’. It also tells you that you’re not good enough and points out all of your insecurities that you try to flush to the back of your mind."

"If only I could warn you about what you are about to do and tell you how many people love you no matter what. But I know that you don’t care. I know that you’re not thinking about anything other than getting rid of this pain."

She added: "You have a life to live, so be the best person you can be and do not lose sight of what is important."

"Take my word for it, that devil on your shoulder can also be your best friend."

"Just please, talk to someone."

Shine took to Twitter after her interview to share how far she has come in her battle with mental health. She urged her followers who may feel the same to "choose life".