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

Nearly a year after the Eaton Fire ravaged Altadena, destroying thousands of homes and businesses on the way to becoming one of California's most devastating wildfires, survivors are still struggling to find ways to manage their mental health and cope with grief. —Laurie Perez, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026

In 2019, officers went to the home twice while their son Nick was living there — once for a call coded as a welfare check and once for a call classified as mental health–related. —Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

The ‘cult of creatine’ Creatine is everywhere, championed by fitness influencers and mental health advocates alike. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026

Today’s students deserve adequate support and availability of professional school counselors and psychologists to meet their developmental needs concerning mental health. —Lisa Morgan, AJC.com, 5 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