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

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."

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 notes

In 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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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Long hours and no time off had wrecked his _____.

Synonyms

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emotional wellbeing psychological health mental wellbeing

Rhymes for mental health

wealth health stealth commonwealth

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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.