mental health

noun

1

: the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, positive feelings about others, and the ability to meet the demands of daily life

also : the general condition of one's mental and emotional state

2

: health care dealing with the promotion and improvement of mental health and the treatment of mental illness

—often used before another noun

mental health professionals

a mental health clinic

Examples of mental health in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cooking Class Recent studies have shown that cooking can have a positive impact on your mental health. —Carolyn Burt, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024

Schools have always played a central role in a child’s development; providing mental health resources on campus could make a profound difference in students’ accessibility to these services. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Acknowledging minor and significant achievements is essential for mental health and provides a basis for future wins. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

And when states pass anti-trans laws, the consequences for mental health are devastating: A study published in Nature Human Behavior in June found suicide attempts by trans youth ages 13 to 17 rose by as much as 72 percent a year after anti-trans laws were enacted. —Madison Pauly and Sarah Szilagy, Them, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

mental health

noun

1

: the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, having positive feelings about others, and being able to meet the demands of daily life

also : the general condition of one's mental and emotional state

Finding the flexibility and balance that is required for good mental health is a challenge we all face.

—Christy Turlington, Psychology Today

2

: health care dealing with the promotion and improvement of mental health and the treatment of mental illness : mental hygiene

—often used before another noun

mental health professionals

a mental health clinic