Background: COVID-19 and the resultant lockdowns have caused a global discomposure. Out of a plethora of ramifications of this unusual state, mental health problems are becoming a serious concern. Considering the peculiarity of the situation, encapsulation of the lived experiences of people affected by COVID-19 may lead us towards a better understanding and control of the situation.
Aim: The aim of the present study was to get an in-depth analysis of the lived experiences of Indian youth amid COVID-19 crisis and its impact on their mental health.
Method: Ten college going students were telephonically interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule to elicit participants' experiences with COVID-19 and the impact it has posed on their mental health. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results: The analysis revealed three master themes: (1) 'Impact on mental health', (2) 'Positive experiences' and (3) 'Ways of coping amid the crisis'.
Conclusion: The study draws attention to the mental health concerns of Indian youth amid the current crisis. The findings also highlight the positive outcomes of the crisis as well as the different ways of coping adopted by young individuals in India.
Keywords: COVID-19; coping; interpretative phenomenological analysis; lived experiences; mental health.