Getting Fired

Hello everyone,

I graduated from college in 2019. I started a job in AM as a risk and analytics associate at a firm in the midwest. From day one, I didn't really get along with my boss, I felt that he wasn't helpful and was just kind of an asshole. I was let go after one year (05/2020 to 04/2021). I am currently job hunting again, but I am quite depressed. I've interviewed for a few buyside roles, and I'm still in the process. I have a few questions:

1. I was given a severance package, so do I have to say that I was fired, or can I say that I was laid off? Furthermore, is there anyway for employers to find out I was fired vs. laid off?

2. Will employers ask for references? I have only worked one role, and I can't exactly go back to my old boss and ask for a referral at this point

3. Any general advice on how to stay up during this period? I've been extremely extremely depressed the past few weeks. I like to think that since I'm still young and reasonably smart, I can turn it around and get to where I want to go, however I am just concerned that this will be a black mark on my record for a long time.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.