I’d not worry if others are unhappy and have dull lives, but focus on your own unhappiness and boredom. Why do you care if others are unhappy? Especially if these people aren’t your friends.

I am sorry you are surrounded by people who drink and use alcohol to escape. None of my friends or family drink. So perhaps it’s the area or your particular surrounding. It’s not my experience. By no means I know there are many alcoholics out there but none in my daily life. Some people watch TV snd some don’t. I’d not worry what other people do.

Is your job not rewarding? Can you find happiness in making difference or creating something? Sure everyone would want to make more money but one doesn’t need to be filthy rich to have a nice life.

You said you work in education. Do you not have health insurance? If you do, could you check if it covers some therapy?

Well if you believe source of your unhappiness is poverty, what could you do to change it? Are you in the US? Can you get a second job? Work overtime? Look for a better paid job? Volunteer in a homeless shelter to put your orb life in to perspective?

See, you are unhappy and bored but you are trying to explain your unhappiness and boredom by stating how everyone else is bored and unhappy. But it just simply isn’t the case plus what does it matter? Thinking how unhappy are other people isn’t going to bring you happiness.