Loneliness Is Becoming an Epidemic Among Youth in Urban Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Youth mental health is an emerging public health concern in Nepal, with limited evidence available on depression, anxiety, and loneliness among young people aged 15 to 24 years. Objective This study investigated the prevalence of loneliness and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) among youths aged 15–24 years residing in Kathmandu Valley. Methodology: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted with 195 purposively and voluntarily recruited participants. Data were collected using validated Nepali versions of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the DASS‑21 and analysed descriptively and correlationally using Microsoft Excel. Findings: Overall, 67.7% of respondents experienced loneliness, with 17.9% reporting extreme levels. Social loneliness (70.3%) was more prevalent than emotional loneliness (58.9%). High rates of anxiety (70.3%) and depressive symptoms (60%) were observed, particularly among female participants. Conclusion The substantial prevalence of loneliness and psychological distress among Nepali youth highlights the urgent need for culturally responsive, youth‑centred mental health services and school‑based psychosocial interventions.