hi LeeTheBee

There is a tendency to isolate from people with depression. I have done that a lot. Also. I gather that you are from the UK. There is there there MIND the organization for the mentally ill and you can join that as they do have depression groups for men. This will allow you to make new friends. And there would be females in the MIND centers also. They do also give free counseling for depressed people. Traveling to the town nearest to you that has a mind center would be best. Also, there may be depression support groups in your area.

Also there is Alcoholics Anonymous which a lot of depressed people with no alcohol problem. Join because they like the 12 step program and to meet others.

Are you in therapy? That will give you the coping skills to deal effectively with depression. I do use acceptance and commitment therapy. This is based on the research, which says that, trying to get rid of symptoms simply makes them worse. Whereas accepting them is best. What that involves is saying to yourself that you are. for example experiencing depression and then watching that feeling disappear from your mind keeping doing that till the symptoms stop. Which thry will. At the same time you keep getting on with the business of the day.

Structuring your time to fill it with activities. When you are home alone would keep the mind busy and away from depression.
I do feel that having a consuming purpose in life such as a charitable cause, or indeed reconnection with something that fired you up in earlier times would give purpose and meaning to life and allow you to make a difference. Even having the medication looked at if necessary, would help. By the way I do live in Northern Ireland part of the UK. And the website is indeed US-based. Take care. I hope and pray your weekend will be really good. God bless and best wishes from your friend Francis