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

Meta has argued that Kaley’s difficult childhood caused her mental health challenges, not its products. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026

Notably absent from the cast is Jax Taylor, who Variety previously reported had stepped away from the show in order to focus on his mental health and recovery. —Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026

In Downtown, people are now living in greater fear—poverty and desperation, as well as substance dependence and worsening mental health, have driven up interpersonal conflict in the neighborhood and depressed home values, leaving more properties and lots vacant or derelict. —Emily Galvin Almanza, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026

The event brought together representatives from organizations serving residents in Cook, Lake and McHenry counties, including a Northbrook mental health clinic, to discuss rising costs for housing, food, health care and child care. —Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

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