Feeling Lonely and Struggling to Move On – Need Advice F 20, M21

I’m going through a really tough time right now and could use some advice. Recently, I was diagnosed with depression, and I’ve been struggling a lot with loneliness. My social circle is non-existent because i have no one, and the people I was closest to—my ex and my best friend—aren’t in my life right now. I understand that they need space, but it’s been really hard not having them around.

I tried reconnecting with another ex because I thought having someone familiar to talk to would help me feel less alone. I even told him I still have feelings for him, but he made it clear that he doesn’t want to explore anything with me, not even friendship. That rejection hit me hard because I was hoping he’d be open to at least seeing where things could go.

The loneliness is making me crave connection, especially in a romantic sense. I know deep down that I should focus on myself, but I keep feeling like the only way to lift my mood is to have “my person” around—someone to talk to, rely on, and feel close to. I also realize that I may be seeking out relationships for the wrong reasons right now, and I don’t want to repeat unhealthy patterns.

How do I start feeling okay being alone? How do I stop tying my happiness to whether or not I have someone in my life? And how do I work on abandonment issues when they feel the most intense in romantic relationships?

Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks for reading.