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

Principal’s one regret and ways to improve Shockley had sought mental health resources from the school as a freshman and had expressed suicidal ideation, a school official told investigators, according to the affidavit. —Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 23 Nov. 2025

When looking for suitable placements for children in care, social workers are looking for people who are best suited to care for a child's medical, mental health, cultural or religious needs. —Jui Sarwate, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025

In September, Buckingham opened up about his mental health after the loss of his grandmother. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025

This was for a range of reasons from emotional or mental health support or as a friend or best friend. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 22 Nov. 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