The B.C. Adolescent Health Survey is overflowing with statistics, including increases in mental health issues.
The twice-a-decade study surveyed 38,000 youth across the province, including all school districts in the Okanagan, Shuswap, Similkameen and Nicola regions.
The regional stats showed that, on average, mental health issues rose from the previous study in 2013.
For example, according to the study, 70 per cent of Okanagan students rated their mental health as good or excellent. The provincial average was 73 per cent.
That 70 per cent is a 10-per cent drop from the 2013 study, when 80 per cent of Okanagan students rated their mental health as good or excellent.
The drop was seen for both males (87 per cent in 2013, 80 per cent in 2018) and females (73 per cent in 2013, 60 per cent in 2018).
The survey also said more than half of Okanagan students, 56 per cent, felt some level of despair in the past month, versus 49 per cent in 2013.
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