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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Right now Family Counseling Service is reaching deep into the community, Andrade and Ward tell me, but can always do better because the need for resources will only grow with the current mental health crisis communities are facing. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 For laypeople wondering whether changing their diets could improve their metabolism and mental health, Scher had this advice. — Kelly Rogers Victor, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026 An endurance athlete, Steinberg spent a decade completing various marathons and Ironman triathlons to help manage his mental health following a depression spell during college. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026 Desperation fills their lives, amplified by physicians who dismiss their complaints as psychosomatic—in their heads—and then prescribe medications for mental health conditions, such as Prozac or Valium. — Jerome Groopman, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mental health

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mental health was circa 1650

Rhymes for mental health

See All Rhymes for mental health

Browse Nearby Words

mental faculties
mental health
mental health day
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mental health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mental%20health. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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