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

Defenseless in a harmful system Black women are twice as likely to experience maternal mental health issues and half as likely to receive treatment. —Essence, 14 Apr. 2025

But this isn’t a substitute for systemic mental health infrastructure. —Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

Yes, even mental health pros have to actively cope with all the chaos that’s going on in the world. —Korin Miller, SELF, 14 Apr. 2025

These programs provide counseling, peer support, stress management and access to mental health care, ensuring that mothers are not navigating postpartum challenges alone. —Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, Sun Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mental health

• commonwealth
• telehealth
• bridewealth
• stealth
• wealth

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