To ask you for advice on new friends in a new place

[Bupbupbup]

I've been here 3 years, first 2 I was diagnosed with depression but I'm coming out of it now and starting to become more social.

I've a great group of friends at home (I now live in NZ) but I can't seem to get a grasp on how to be when I'm with friends here.

It feels like the depression eroded my identity and I'm not confident to be me here.

I also find that because I live in a small town, gossip is rife and if you make friends with one set of people then they warn you against another set of people. When I try to rise above it I'm labelled snobby.

I sometimes find myself just listening to people bitch about others, old me would've walked away from that.

I know I'm overthinking this (anxiety) but can you give me some advice.

Should I just be happy that I have good friends at home and keep a friendly distance until I really click with someone - it's a very small town so I've already met everyone.

Thanks

I moved from Oxford to London a year ago and to start with I didn't know anyone so I know it's hard to make friends.
I'd advise using MeetUp as it's excellent for meeting new people with similar interests; you don't have to stay in your town if you're not finding friends there.
I think keeping a friendly distance until you click with someone is a good plan too, it'll happen in time just don't overthink it!

Try to act like the 'old you' and don't fall into the trap of being the way any group of people expect you to be.
Being yourself means you will end up with people who like you for yourself.
Having had depression it will take time for you to feel confident again, so be kind to yourself and try to do things you enjoy.
Friends will come eventually so don't try too hard.