I’m nervous about returning to work after time off for my drug addiction

DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER having some time off work when I was struggling with my mental health and drug addiction, I am excited but nervous about returning.

I’m a 43-year-old woman. I’m scared to walk into the office as nobody knows what I was going through.

I’ve gained a considerable amount of weight since being off. I was so unwell I couldn’t walk anywhere because my addiction caused me physical pain.

I couldn’t be far away from the toilet because my bladder was so bad from years of drug abuse.

I have stopped now and my bladder is feeling so much better. I am sleeping better too. 

When I start walking to work eating healthy snacks and a balanced dinner, I know the weight will slowly come off. 

However, I’m concerned that when I go to the office someone will make a comment about how different I look or ask what has happened. 

I have bought some new work outfits that will fit me properly but I worry that one negative comment will send me spiralling and undo all the hard work I’ve done on myself.

I don’t think I’m being paranoid.

DEIDRE SAYS: You are to be congratulated for working hard to get off the drugs.