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

She's since shared several vulnerable messages to fans about her journey with mental health. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

While evidence is growing about the effect that diet has on mental health, including depression, few studies have focused specifically on how fruit and veggie intake affects depression in over-45s. —New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2024

The singer was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease, at the age of 6, and it’s had a significant impact on her mental health. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024

Patients often feel forgotten when treatment ends, but research shows the knock-on effects, from mental health to financial challenges, can persist decades into recovery. —Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 8 Dec. 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