Morning James,
Hope you are well today
Read all of this and can echo what others have said and maybe add just a little bit to help.
I too am older than you (56 now) and have experienced everything you have described. The underlying key to everything in my mind is that whatever you feel or think about anything you perceive in your life as being negative or bad is really just a blip. Nothing lasts forever, things change and whatever is making you stressed or down at any point, will change and will get better.
Ive been through two failed marriages, a recent failed relationship that still hurts, lost my house in divorce number 2, sofa surfed for a few years and just survived a stressful career. I felt down at times and wasnt feeling great about being in a rut that I couldnt see a way out of. I have been skint, without a car, in pain, in debt, bereaved and unhappy.
That all sounds very dramatic but I guarantee you 100% that most people you see, know, envy, aspire to be etc etc have been through part, all or double that over their years. Its just life in its many forms, throwing you good times, bad times, ok times etc etc. Its spread over a lifetime so isnt as bad as it sounds. You will get through everything and you will grow and learn from it. All of lifes hurdles make you a better, more rounded compassionate person. Trust me, you will be totally fine and will one day be a daft old git like me telling a young lad with a great car and a life ahead of fantastic times that it will all be fine!
Im sorted now. Im retired, have my own house again where I want to be, am happy and enjoy life. I too sit on my own and watch the womens World Cup eating dinner Ive cooked etc but have found the sweet spot in life after several shots at it.
Remember, no matter how bad it gets, how down you feel, how frustrated you are, NOTHING lasts forever! The fact that you are open and honest enough to discuss this puts you head and shoulders above a fair percentage of people on the journey of life.
One last bit of advice if I can... live your life, do your thing and dont take any notice of the rubbish touted on social media. Most of it is smoke and mirrors. Dont worry about anything you cant change and dont worry about the things you can change...change them!
Finally, give Pete a ring. I wont say any more on that but after you have, you will know why I suggested it.
Good luck James and please PM if you ever fancy a catch up or a wee chat.
All the best, Steve