Mental health is not only a psychological or biological concern but also a sociological phenomenon shaped by social structures, cultural norms, and power relations. Sociological theories help explain how social conditions influence the definition, experience, and treatment of mental illness. One of the earliest perspectives is the social causation theory, which argues that mental health problems arise due to adverse social conditions such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, poor housing, and social exclusion. According to this view, individuals exposed to chronic stressors and deprivation are more vulnerable to mental disorders. Empirical studies consistently show higher rates of depression, anxiety, and psychosis among socially and economically disadvantaged groups, supporting the idea that structural inequalities play a crucial role in mental health outcomes. Closely related is the social selection or social drift theory, which offers a contrasting