I think i understand now. Just got likely impression that after making no reference to religion, interpreting your verbiage stating you didn't assume i related it to religion but "it comes across thst way" verbiage was hard to understand. And to clarify, i never said Utah leads the nation in depression. I said "prescriptions FOR depression." Obviously not everyone diagnosed with depression is given meds. That said, i need to admit to making a significant error in how I described the statistics (not bias or assumptions). I was too general when i shoukd have stated the data showed the #1 prescription given in Utah was a pain med, #2 was a Depression med so a more accurate statement would be Utah, on average # of total prescriptions given, is at/near highest. Stats show over 60% of utahns in 2015 were given opiate pain meds (several articles with this stat online but i have no clue how they could accurately get this %) and one of highest states for death by prescription drugs.

Most of that is irrelevant to tanner and the OP im only clarifying due to several messages aboit my verbiage. A handful of other comments directly referenced a severe problem with both opiates and depression for LDS members. I didn't see that any of those clear references had replies about biased.

To end my long winded unimportant rambling, and answering whst im guessing ur first question was; it started with depression then after an unqualified doctor cycled my threw 11 different depression meds over 3yrs--i started abusing opiate pain meds. The former wasn't the cause, just a catalyst. But like almost every person who is addicted, i found a chemical & used it to self medicate my depression as nothing seemed. to work. Im far from those who are bitter/critical of Mormons. In fact i have to work hard to even find something to be critical about. I love living in Utah, love BYU football exponentially more.

Also as a footnote, i changed my username last Summer after posting a very personal story about why I am a loyal BYU fan but non LDS since its rare, that included mistakes ive made like drug use, jail time, etc. And one person sent messages cricitizing it and thought i should let CB know Im not LDS so visitors dont think there's a large # of byu fans who are "jack mormons." Was just 1 person when dozens of other CBers were supportive. But since im far too sarcastic and dont get offended I thought "what the yewt ill call his bluff and change my username." All this is waaay unnecessary but i guess my brain to thumb filter isnt working tonight