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 new initiative aims to improve and support the mental health of youth around the world. —Anna Chan, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2024

The advisory lists potential mental health, academic and social detriments to kids in addition to compulsive behavior spurred by using social media. —The Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2024

Responding to student needs - there are a lot of needs in the district, such as a need for more mental health support, needs for food, needs for shelter, needs for belonging. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024

In some schools, the entire classroom atmosphere is being shifted to focus more on mental health and wellness. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2024

Based on officer accounts and interviews with the employee, authorities determined the ordeal to be a mental health issue, said Sgt. —Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024

The environment got so bad that Hessler reached out to human resources for mental health support and has been on workers’ comp since September. —Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024

Along the way, her story examines historical realities around gender, addiction, mental health and celebrity. —Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2024

Rouse is a former police officer and has done extensive research on law enforcement mental health issues. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 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