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

Pending board approval, money will also be disbursed to 14 community groups that support nonviolence initiatives, mental health concerns, and first responders, Mashek said. —Bram Sable-Smith | Kff Health News, ABC News, 22 June 2024

Although Campbell was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was ordered to a mental health facility, authorities said in May that there was no space to send him anywhere. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2024

Congress has introduced legislation to reauthorize the Dr. Lorna Breen Provider Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that recognizes the need for mental health resources and support programs for healthcare professionals. —Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 22 June 2024

Dressel withdrew from the 2022 world championships for what was later revealed to be a mental health episode. —Rick Maese, Washington Post, 22 June 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