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.
Across Connecticut, families coping with PTSD, chronic pain, depression and treatment-resistant mental health conditions are looking for therapies that offer hope when conventional approaches have fallen short. John R. Gordon, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 Speaking with the media at a press conference, Crowson encouraged anyone experiencing mental health issues to call 311 or 211 for assistance. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 If food thoughts seem to be causing stress or changing your child’s eating or behavior, reaching out to a pediatrician or mental health professional can help. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 3 July 2026 Two doctors, who are experts on mental health and deaths in detention, also reviewed the report at the news organizations’ request. Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster