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

Those options include substance use treatment centers, mental health services and community health centers. —Katherine Lemasters, The Conversation, 13 June 2025

Through donations and grants, the organization has been able to help unlock access to professional mental health services. —Matt Villano, CNN Money, 13 June 2025

Smarter public safety means treating mental health as a health issue, not a criminal one. —Michael Blake, New York Daily News, 12 June 2025

The documentary will delve deeply into his struggles with mental health, personal loss, and his enduring impact on television and the Black entertainment community. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 June 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