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

But warnings are also being issued about other newer forms of addictions, including to technology and social media, with their impact on young people's mental health and wellbeing requiring closer study and attention. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Three in four children in Ukraine are living in constant fear, a mental health crisis that is escalating with the recent surge in Russian missile and drone attacks. —Katya Soldak, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

That algorithm that brings such negative content impacting kids' mental health, their anxiety, their depression, their self harm (and) their suicidal ideation. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 20 Dec. 2024

With a family history marked by mental illness and trauma—and now, as a parent to a neurodivergent son—I’m naturally drawn to memoirs that explore mental health, childhood trauma, and personal healing. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 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