Activity For Mental Health explores all activities, including physical, social, natural, cognitive, art/hobby and music as a means to both preventing and treating mental illness. This book not only reviews evidence-based research behind activity, but also explores how these forms of activity can treat mental illnesses. First, the reader is introduced to the concepts of Formal Behavioral Activation Therapy (BAT) and informal activity as an effective treatment option. Case examples aid in connecting the benefits to real life scenarios. Following the introduction, each activity is introduced in separate chapters, including physical, social, natural, cognitive, art/hobby and music.

This book will provide researchers and clinicians the information needed to help customize treatment options for their patients suffering from mental illness.

• Evaluates the effectiveness of Behavioral Activation Therapy (BAT) as compared to existing psychotherapy treatments
• Advocates creative activities to improve depression and anxiety
• Includes multiple case studies detailing experiences with BAT and other therapies
• Examines the relationship between physical activity and the nervous system, thus reducing sympathetic system stress responses
• Explores the role of cognitive activity in predicting cognitive health