Coming out of depression: How to deal with social anxiety in class?

I’m starting to come out of a depressive episode. I’ve missed a lot of class. I go to a really small university and my classes only have about 20 people in them so people notice when you’re gone and usually make comments. I’m feeling ready to go back but I’m anxious about what people will say/think and it’s holding me back from wanting to go. I sit next to people that I’m friendly with/ have mutual friends so I can’t really just ignore them. Any tips?