Interests are what bring like-minded individuals together. It's what drew me to this forum, populated with others that are just as interested in mental health. However, while forums are great for mass communication they lack the personal connection one might make face to face. This means you will need to follow the process that brought you here, but change the setting in which it takes place.

I did this with martial arts when I was younger and pushed myself to attend classes. Through this I gained a fantastic mentor and a new confidence. Conversation comes easier as the ice has already been broken upon arrival. They knew I was interested in martial arts by my appearance at class and I knew this about them as well.

I feel this is what you need to escape the toxicity around you as I did when I was younger. It really helped my confidence and perspective on valuable human interaction.