The topic title is not the question to ask. If you are shooting for a black and white result, then you should be removing color from the equation mentally before you select your subject. Don't fall into the trap of comparing.
Instead, start looking for textures, tones, contrast, light and shadow, shapes. Sometimes you want to remove the
distraction of color - such as in much of street photography.
If black and white "often seems depressing," you're looking at poorly conceived or executed photos: subject matter or processing.
You've already discovered how similar tones in color become blah in b&w. You've dabbled with color filters in pp, so you've seen how those affect the result. Study "tonal range" further.
If you're shooting in raw, does your camera have a setting that will display the image in black and white (in-camera only)? That can help you learn to see. Sometimes squinting reduces color saturation - that was a tip I learned with b&w film
Analyze the photos that you admire (look beyond UHH). What is it that attracted you?
I don't know of any specific books offhand, but there are tons of YouTube videos and websites with tips.
The topic title is not the question to ask. If you... (