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

If a child is experiencing any emotional, mental, or physical difficulty, the default parent likely takes on the responsibility of managing the child’s needs—which often leads to emotional exhaustion, and many more detrimental mental health effects. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 22 Oct. 2024

Train managers to recognize and support employees' mental health needs. —Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Many of the hundreds who survived are still struggling with mental health problems, including with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, depression, and anxiety. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024

Chapters cover lighter topics and routines, from the purpose of skin, the largest organ, to how mental health impacts bathing routines and seeking help. —Essence, 22 Oct. 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