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

Mamdani, however, said at a news conference on Tuesday that Chakraborty should receive mental health treatment and not face criminal charges. —Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026

This mindset can serve as a protective layer against depression, anxiety, and poor mental health, which can lead to poor aging. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Feb. 2026

And — in addition to arts and crafts — there will be vendors offering products such as clothing, pantry goods and healthy foods, as well as services promoting everything from aromatherapy to mental health awareness. —Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images The skater has spent years advocating for mental health awareness and the LGBTQ+ community; Glenn came out as bisexual and pansexual in 2019. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 4 Feb. 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