Much good advice here. You have to understand and expect that you will lose 100% of all friends and social contacts. This will be hurtful but a sad fact of leaving. They may still greet you in public places but will never be close with you again. Start making new friends now to help lesson the hurt. Don't worry about hurting them, they are the ones who choose to shun not you.
If you don't want to get DF, don't express any of your doubts to anyone, period!
If people ask, keep it vague, 'Dealing with personal issues, thank them and let them know you will reach out to them if needed'. If they keep pressing, and some will, just repeat that statement. 'personal issues' are just that, personal. They will get the point and stop asking.
Enjoy the rest of your life!