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 increase in online sports betting has worsened mental health problems in younger men, leading to more hospital visits as a result. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 7 Oct. 2026

Orville Peck may still hide his face behind a mask, but the country crooner has been astonishingly open about his struggles with addiction and mental health. — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026

But mental health challenges do not pause while the organization waits. — Stephen Sokoler, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Producers include Ruth-Ann Huvane, a mental health advocate and NAMI national board member, and Tony Montenieri, executive producer of Lotus Productions. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

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