You want to write about mental health, but you’re worried about what word to use to describe it, right?
After all, you might worry that “mental health” itself is a bit offensive or rude.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place for more information.
This article will show you how to say “mental health” professionally and conversationally, depending on your needs.
Other Ways to Say “Mental Health”
- Cognitive health
- Emotional wellness
- Psychological well-being
- Mindful state
- Psychosocial balance
- Inner stability
- Intellectual harmony
- Emotional resilience
- Mental well-being
- Cognitive fitness
- Emotional soundness
- Mind wellness
- Cognitive wholeness
- Emotional health
- Mental vitality
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Mental health” is correct and inoffensive, so it’s one of the best phrases you can use.
- “Cognitive health” is great to use as a formal synonym if that’s more suitable to your written needs.
- “Emotional wellness” is an excellent informal and positive synonym to include in your writing.
Keep reading to learn another word for “mental health.” We’ve touched on the best formal and informal alternatives to give you a clearer picture of how they work.
Also, the final heading will explain whether “mental health” is correct to include. So, you might want to skip ahead if this is more appropriate for you to learn about.
Cognitive Health (Formal)
Let’s start with a professional way to say “mental health.” We recommend using “cognitive health” to fit this situation.
After all, it’s clear and direct. It’s an excellent choice to include in most written cases because the reader will understand what you mean.
Also, people often want to steer away from using “mental.” Sometimes, readers may get triggered by the mention of it, so it’s better to use something like “cognitive.”
You might want to include this when writing to an employer. It could be a good opportunity for you to explain why you might need some time away from work.
Also, you can check out this example to learn a bit more about how it works:
Dear Ms. Alberto,
My cognitive health has been declining lately.
I’ve been to see the doctor, and they advised me to take a week off work.
All the best,
Joanne Clear
Emails aren’t the only place for “cognitive health,” though.
You can also include something like this in an essay. It’s a good option if you’re trying to talk about people’s mental health, especially if you’ve done studies regarding it.
If you still want to learn more, check out this essay sample:
The cognitive health of this sample group ranged vastly. It was very interesting to gather the conflicting data points.
Emotional Wellness (Informal)
Another way to say “mental health” is “emotional wellness.” This time, we recommend using it in more informal situations.
You can often include something like this when writing to a coworker.
It’s a more friendly and caring way to discuss mental health issues or things that are holding you back.
Often, it shows you have a better understanding of mental health and how to tackle it.
You can also review this email sample to learn a bit more about it:
Hey Zac,
I’ve noticed some declines in your emotional wellness lately.
I just want you to know that I’ll always be here if you need to talk.
Best wishes,
Suzanna Redd
You may also use something like this when texting a friend.
It’s an excellent way to reach out to them if you need help. You can use it to discuss your own mental health in a more friendly way to show them that you’re suffering.
So, check out this example to learn more about how it can work:
My emotional wellness has taken a hit lately. Though, I’m sure I’ll find a way to bounce back soon enough.
Is It Correct to Say “Mental Health”?
It is correct to say “mental health.” It’s also the most common way to refer to any problem that someone might have with their mind.
It is okay to say and is non-offensive. After all, it’s how most people refer to mental problems that people have (as opposed to physical problems).
Also, you can use it in a professional context.
For instance, you might need to write an email to your boss explaining how you need time off work due to your mental health. It’s completely acceptable to include the phrase in this case.
If you still need to see it in action, you can review this email sample:
Dear Ms. Tuner,
I’m going to need some time off for my mental health.
It’s taken a turn for the worst, but I expect to be back on my feet by the end of the month.
Best wishes,
Sam Stacey
You can also use these extensions to help you mix things up:
- Mental health issues
- Mental health problems
- Mental health crisis
As you can see, “mental health” usually comes before another noun. Technically, this makes it a compound adjective, as it modifies the noun coming after it.
Feel free to bookmark this page before you leave! After all, you never know when you might need to refer to the synonyms we’ve shared above to replace “mental health.”