New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- Adolescence should be a time of curiosity and optimism, full of social friendships. Yet more of today's teenagers are feeling hopeless, afraid, and alone.

"In the last 10 years, there has been a tremendous increase in cases of depression, anxiety and social isolation for teens," says Dr Neetu Tiwari, MBBS, MD-Psychiatry, Senior Resident at NIIMS Medical College & Hospital.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 14% of adolescents with an age range of 10-19 years are affected by any type of mental disorder, including depression and anxiety.

Studies reveal a powerful connection between loneliness and depression, finding that youth who feel lonely are much more likely to have symptoms of depression....