Mental health of young adults pursuing higher education in Tier-1 cities of India: A cross-sectional study

India, with its vast youth population, grapples with significant mental health issues among young adults in higher education, due to factors such as academic pressure, social isolation, stigma, economic uncertainty, screen time, sedentary lifestyles, and pandemic-related stresses. Though the issue has garnered attention, there's a gap in post-pandemic mental health research for Indian students. This study aims to address this by investigating anxiety, depression, and overall mental well-being among students aged 18-29 in higher educational institutions across eight major Indian cities, categorized by gender, zone, city, and institution type. Using a cross-sectional design and multi-stage sampling, we surveyed 1628 students (47.1 % males, 52.9 % females) using the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38). Female students reported higher distress levels than males. Students from the Western and Southern zones showed higher positivity and well-being. Kolkata students reported low positivity but superior well-being. Hyderabad students reported low depression levels. Central University students reported more depression, while government arts and science college students reported lower life satisfaction. The majority exhibited moderate to high levels of anxiety (69.9 %), depression (59.9 %), loss of behavioral/emotional control (65.1 %), and distress (70.3 %). These statistics underscore the burden of mental health issues faced by this demographic. Despite the prevalence, a minimal number of young adults accessed mental health services, often due to stigma and cultural biases. This study highlights how the post-pandemic context has exacerbated these barriers, revealing significant mental health issues among participants and underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions in educational institutions amidst rising suicide rates in this demographic.