if you want to move forward and stop the rot, then suggest a visit to the GP, or find one that's nearer to you, this won't go away on it's own, professional help is on the cards, otherwise your somewhat unhelpful friend may be right. The two are linked by the way, and a host of other things besides. Low self esteem, isolation, self inflicted or indeed because of where one lives, can add to the problem. Loneliness is also a big factor in depression, one can be lonely though in a crowd, so if you take the first step and consult a GP, perhaps one you had before, they can and will help, you would also need to stress to them how bad things have been, as if you brush it off it won't get better and may well get a lot worse. I can only go on my own experiences with family,