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

Their emphasis on purpose, flexibility, technology, mental health, and inclusion is reshaping the very nature of work. —First Place For Youth, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Related article People with ADHD have shorter life expectancy and higher risk of mental health issues, study finds Secondly, autism presents differently in girls versus boys. —Matt Villano, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

While some online spaces focus on legitimate male-centric concerns such as fatherhood or mental health, others promote misogyny, dominance and emotional suppression of women in particular. —Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025

In addition to public health, the grants cover mental health and addiction services. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 1 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