My self-esteem has been non-existent since I lost weight

DEAR DEIDRE: Weight loss caused by stress and giving up drinking has left me looking gaunt in the face, and it’s making my anxiety worse.

I feel like I look old and ugly. People keep asking if I’m ill and it’s really getting me down. 

I’m a 47-year-old man, who lives alone. My anxiety means I don’t get out much apart from when I go to work, and this isn’t helping. 

I take medication for my anxiety. Although I don’t drink anymore, I do smoke – which my doctor says doesn’t help – so I’ve tried to cut down.

I really want to put weight on my face so it looks more round and healthy, but I don’t know what foods to choose. 

I often feel too down to cook properly for myself, and just grab whatever is convenient. 

Sometimes, when I look in the mirror, I see an old man looking back at me. That just makes me feel more depressed.

What can I do to make myself look younger and healthier?

DEIDRE SAYS: Many people find that when they lose weight it disappears from their face first.

Feeling down and stressed will also make you look drawn.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to put on weight in just one area. 

But eating healthily – particularly including healthy fats like avocados and oily fish – can really make a difference. My support pack on Gaining Weight should help.

You’re caught in a vicious circle. Worrying about your looks is making your anxiety worse and stopping you going out.

But if you go outside and get som=e Vitamin D and colour in your face, you’d probably feel better about yourself. 

For support with Anxiety, contact Anxiety UK (anxietyuk.org.uk, tel: 03444 775 774).