The sensory environment may be a neglected social determinant of mental health

Context Addressing social and environmental determinants of mental health remains central to reducing the global mental health burden. While established determinants such as education, safe neighbourhoods, and social connectedness continue to guide policy and prevention efforts, this Short Communication argues that the sensory environment - the external stimuli including light, noise, colour, temperature, and pressure providing input to sensory processing - represents a significant yet overlooked mental health determinant warranting greater attention. Main findings Sensory processing includes the diverse and varied neurological and behavioural means by which individuals detect, filter, and respond to these stimuli. Sensory processing varies substantially across the population, producing both adaptive and maladaptive outcomes. Evidence suggests sensory processing differences may be more prevalent in the general community than currently recognised. Sensory processing differences can also be implicated in a broad range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and suicidal distress. Despite this, the sensory environment remains largely absent from population-level mental health frameworks and clinical practice guidelines. This paper outlines initial opportunities to address this gap, including building consensus on terminology, clarifying mechanistic pathways linking sensory processing to mental health outcomes, and embedding sensory considerations within existing prevention infrastructure such as school-based mental health literacy programs and adult psychoeducation initiatives. It further calls for reconsideration of clinical best-practice guidelines to reflect understanding already well established within Occupational Therapy. Conclusion Recognising the sensory environment as a legitimate, universal determinant of mental health offers a novel and underutilised avenue for strengthening global public mental health prevention efforts.