Considering coming back to Islam and feeling conflicted

As-salamu alaykum. I've been exploring faith lately, especially Islam. I was born Muslim but left as a teen, became atheist, then spiritual but not religious. I believe in the unseen but also respect science. Recently, I feel drawn to Islam, reading the Quran and learning more. It's tough because I used to dislike Islam (not Muslims) and heard many false things online. My view flipped recently, and I'm surprised by the change. What discourages me is that many friends left Christianity or Islam, even though I know their views are off. I sometimes argue for Islam now but doubt myself. I feel alone and sometimes like my reality isn't real. Thoughts about religion consume me daily; I can't focus on anything else. I'm stuck. When I try to move on, my mind comes back. And thinking about Islam brings pain and anxiety. Please help. JazakAllah khair.