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

Aside from presidential power, there are consequential cases on the docket involving the Voting Rights Act, free speech and mental health care, and transgender athletes in school sports that could put the court back at the center of the culture wars and transform American society. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2025

The international organization provides mental health support, as well as safe spaces for children living in conflict to learn and play. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025

Vicki Miller was given an 80-day jail sentence, with 60 days suspended, placed on probation for four years in which she's required to avoid drugs and alcohol and complete mental health assessments, and ordered to complete an animal rehabilitation program. —Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025

His comments mark a major shift in how the AI company may handle mental health crises. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 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