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Showing results for mental illness. Search instead for mental wellness.
Definitions

mental illness

NOUN
emotional disorder
Synonyms
STRONGEST
insanity mental disorder
WEAK
crack-up craziness delusions depression derangement disturbed mind emotional disorder emotional instability loss of mind lunacy madness maladjustment mania mental disease mental sickness nervous breakdown nervous disorder neurosis neurotic disorder paranoia phobia psychopathy psychosis sick mind troubled mind unbalanced mind unsoundness of mind

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Potter, who struggled with unchecked mental illness, depicted himself as an antihero outsider with a spiritual connection to the ravens of Yosemite, and could also be juvenile, selfish and oblivious.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Benn also said he has had someone in his life for the past 15 years who suffers from mental illness and has "witnessed many episodes of despicable behaviour" that he had to forgive.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Adam Sharp, representing Askari, said nothing could be said that could "undo or lessen the utter devastation" caused by Veisi's death and asked that the court consider Askari's "longstanding mental illness" when determining sentence.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Critics of involuntary civil-commitment programs argue they violate civil liberties and stigmatize mental illness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Nearly one in five prison and jail inmates has a serious mental illness.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson