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

Friends alleged that Duval, who lived at a shelter, was grappling with mental health issues and had a history of threatening family members. —Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024

Jean Twenge, who has spent decades studying the mental health of adolescents, said the new findings were in line with long-term trends. —Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024

Drag saved her mental health, giving her confidence and Drag Race Sweden enabled her to pursue drag full time. —EW.com, 15 July 2024

Getting professional help is part of mental health self-care.13 Managing your mental health with OA can be straightforward. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 15 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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