Climate change is a pertinent issue requiring attention from the public and global health community. While most research has focused on the physical health consequences of climate change, it is crucial to acknowledge its effects on mental health, including anxiety-related responses and chronic disorders. This study aimed to:

1. Provide an in-depth qualitative analysis of climate change related psychological phenomena, particularly eco-anxiety among young adults in India.

2. Explore the manifestations of eco-anxiety among young adults in India.

3. Understand the factors contributing to eco-anxiety in the Indian context.

4. Examine coping mechanisms and resilience strategies employed by young

adults to deal with eco-anxiety.

Researchers employed a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews (IDIs) to explore the experiences and emotional responses of young adults in India to climate change. Fifteen semi-structured interviews, both in person and virtually, were conducted in Delhi/National Capital Region using an interview schedule containing 17 open-ended questions between February and May 2024. Upon verbatim transcription of interviews, thematic analysis was conducted following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework.

Thematic analysis revealed four overarching components: Affective, Behavioural, Cognitive, and Resolution of eco-anxiety. These comprised multiple themes and subthemes housed in a conceptual framework. Within the affective component, participants reported eco-anxiety, eco-guilt, and eco-grief. Eco-guilt was closely tied to feelings of helplessness and awareness of privilege, while eco-grief manifested through comparative reflections and health anxieties. Under the behavioural component, participants employed both problem focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. The cognitive component included dissatisfaction with the media's portrayal of climate issues. Finally, many participants called for policy accountability marking the resolution of the eco-anxiety component.

Young adults in India carry fear, guilt, and grief, yet show resilience and demand for systemic change, highlighting the urgent need to integrate mental health support into climate policy frameworks and to engage youth meaningfully in shaping climate solutions.