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

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has 15 full-time psychological services providers to serve the mental health and mental performance needs of Team USA athletes. —Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Research has shown that images of extreme violence can impact mental health, increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026

After this very privileged little boy claims to have mental health problems and anxiety over his mom dancing with him at a wedding. —Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026

In the year leading up to its release, Parks spent much of her time settling into West Coast life and a relationship with pop star Ashnikko (which ended in early 2024), having cancelled a string of US tour dates to protect her mental health. —Sophie Williams, Billboard, 28 Jan. 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