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

Black is the vice president of the 211 System Strategy, a helpline supported by the United Way that connects people to food aid, mental health services, transportation and more. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Her move south was an attempt to get Nash more mental health treatment, Judd said. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Research studies have shown that children of incarcerated parents are more likely to experience mental health challenges and develop antisocial behaviors. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

The Florida law allows family members, doctors, law enforcement or other professionals to seek emergency mental health services and temporarily hold a person over concerns for their mental health or propensity for self-harm. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 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