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

Green said there is a need for organizations to thoughtfully include male spouses, citing mental health implications and unique challenges. —Michelle Miller, CBS News, 4 July 2024

Lower estrogen can further contribute to some common menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, poor sleep quality, and diminished mental health. —Laurie Saloman, Verywell Health, 3 July 2024

Sign up Dozens of clinical trials are ongoing to test therapies using psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, and ibogaine, mostly for mental health conditions such as depression. —science.org, 3 July 2024

This tip can help people who experience mental health issues any time of year. —Lauren Leffer, Scientific American, 3 July 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