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Psychology vocabulary · Mental Health Conditions

Mental health

Meaning in psychology, with examples

nounCore term

In psychology, mental health means: A person's emotional, psychological and social well-being, which affects how they think, feel, handle stress and relate to others.

In Turkish: ruh sağlığı, zihinsel sağlık

How it is used

Used by professionals, policy documents and the public. It describes a continuum, not only illness; 'mental health problems' or 'mental health conditions' is the neutral way to talk about difficulties. Often used before another noun: mental health services, mental health nurse.

Example sentences

  1. The university has expanded its mental health services for students.

  2. Poor sleep and loneliness both predicted worse mental health a year later.

Common collocations

  • mental health services
  • mental health problems
  • mental health professional
  • promote mental health
  • mental disorderA clinically significant pattern of disturbance in thinking, emotion or behaviour that causes distress or problems in daily functioning, as defined in systems such as DSM-5 and ICD-11.
  • resilienceThe ability to adapt well and recover after adversity, trauma or serious stress, drawing on personal strengths and support from others.
  • stressThe body's and mind's response to demands or threats that seem to exceed a person's resources, involving physical arousal, tension and worry.
  • psychotherapyTreatment of psychological problems through a structured, confidential relationship with a trained professional, mainly using conversation rather than medication.

More terms: Mental Health Conditions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.