Hi Dan
Wow, you've come along way and achieved much. It is a massive achievement to rise out of depression. I love Larnzi's sage advice by the way.
You will find your self not just rising out of depression and anxiety, you will find your self continuing to rise in a number of ways. There will be a lot of challenges that come with this incredible process, some of them simple and some pretty intense and confronting. Every time you rise to a challenge and meet it, it gives you a natural high in life (something drugs just can't offer). To give you an example: You mention that the folk around you are a little older than you. I want you to imagine that both you and they are mature and amazing enough to set the age factor aside. Suddenly you find your self hanging out with them more and more and you love this. Not only have you met the challenge but you've actually risen above it. You've risen again, higher, to meet the next challenge, to meet the next high with a great group of friends to now support you.
Personally, I have the attitude 'Bring it on!' when it comes to challenges. I find solving them and rising above them to be addictive. It's one of the ways I get my natural high in life. I don't invite emotional pain or anything like that into my life, I just love developing greater faith and love in myself.
Rising is a beautiful experience in life, especially when you begin to get the hang of it. The process can be a little draining at times (when you can't identify the challenge at first), yet once you're on track, the energy it gives you can be exhilarating. These experiences can lead us to feel incredibly proud of our self and the gift that comes with that involves us not needing the approval of others.
If this group of slightly older people you speak of is friendship material, it will be easy to recognise if you know what you're looking for. They will love giving each other uplifting challenges (inspiring each other), they will have the same energy as you (before you started feeling a little drained), they will be lighthearted and not draining. Basically the tribe you vibe with will continue to raise you and support you. You might be surprised how much you have in common with them (including outgrowing friendship groups).
Myself, I came out of my depression just over 14 years ago and I'm still rising. A key piece of advice: Change the word stress to challenge and perception changes. Make 'What is this challenge asking of me?' one of your mantras.
:)