noun
mental health
MEN-tul HELTH
Mental health (noun) means a person's emotional and psychological wellbeing, including how they cope with stress, relate to other people and handle everyday demands. Example: “Long hours and no time off had wrecked his mental health.”
noun
1
A person's emotional and psychological wellbeing, including how they cope with stress, relate to other people and handle everyday demands.
"Long hours and no time off had wrecked his mental health."
"She takes a walk each morning for her mental health."
2
Used before another noun: relating to the care, treatment and study of psychological conditions.
"The trust has cut mental health beds again."
"He works as a mental health nurse."
How to use mental health
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow well you are doing emotionally and psychologically.
When to use it
Neutral and standard in everyday, clinical and policy use.
Memory tip
Mental health is uncountable, so say 'good mental health', never 'a mental health'.
Easily confused with
mental illness
mental hygiene
Common pairings
mental health problems
poor mental health
mental health services
mental health awareness
look after your mental health
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Long hours and no time off had wrecked his _____.
Synonyms
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emotional wellbeing
psychological health
mental wellbeing
Rhymes for mental health
See all rhymes for mental health →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?
Everyone has mental health, in the way everyone has physical health, and it can be good or poor at different times. Mental illness refers to specific diagnosable conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Is it correct to say someone 'has mental health issues'?
Yes, it is the standard neutral phrasing. Saying someone 'has mental health' as a euphemism for being unwell is not standard English, since good mental health is the healthy state.
What are examples of good mental health?
Sleeping and eating reasonably well, being able to concentrate, keeping up relationships, coping with ordinary setbacks, and being able to feel a normal range of emotions rather than being numb or overwhelmed.
What is the meaning of mental health?
"mental health" (noun) means a person's emotional and psychological wellbeing, including how they cope with stress, relate to other people and handle everyday demands.
