The fact that you are aware of a "lack of empathy" means that you are empathetic.
The fact that you have "current friends" is significant. It means the cause is far from being lost.
You've had some body blows recently, and you're reeling from them. Everything seems to be "coming together at once."
Perhaps, the fact of "everything coming together at once" has put you in what seems like serious despair.
There are times when I feel like the sky is falling sometimes. I feel like I'm in the Depths of Despair sometimes.
Then, tomorrow, I wake up--and I feel better.
Perhaps this might happen to you.
My advice is to continue to communicate with your friends, and to live your life. Read a book, go on the Internet to talk to us at WrongPlanet. Allow yourself to broaden your perspective on things.