I have been in this town more than five years and haven’t found a single non helping professional willing to hang out with me.  I have had friends in the past when I was higher status and of better mental/social health.

One thing that’s become very clear is the principle of the first person.  People form groups.  The first person of the group to let you in is the hardest and most important (the same way the first tear of something shrink wrapped is the hardest).  The first person engaging you positively sends a message to the rest of the group that you are worth engaging.  Even if no other members of the group befriend you this message will at minimum make them accepting and including.