It's so difficult, Liz. I think on the opioid overdoses, they've downplayed that, but I also have no reason to doubt their official count, as these are problems faced by every locality - struggling to help those who are overdosing on a regular basis - thousands a year in some areas. Both the COVID crisis and opioid crisis have disproportionately struck rural areas - again if the info is to be believed. I think the basic stats are not that big a problem, it's the use made of them, and you are correct - monetizing COVID is nuts, now no one knows what to do, and it is exclusively used as a political cudgel. I believe in holistic/integrative/alternative medicine - and also that natural remedies and a decent lifestyle help.

Yes, we are told not to express anger - and shutting it in absolutely contributes to depression.