Contents


## **Chapter 8 119**

Benefits and Barriers of Physical Activity in Social Inclusion and Quality of Life in People with Serious Mental Disorders *by Cristina Méndez-Aguado, Adolfo J. Cangas, María Jesús Lirola, Juan Leandro Cerezuela and Andrés López-Pardo*

Preface

About 10% of the world's population is estimated to have some type of mental health disorder. Among the most common mental health disorders, anxiety and depression stand out. Until recently, little attention was paid to mental health problems. However, due to its magnitude and associated health costs, it has become clear that this public

People with mental health problems usually resort to pharmacological and psychotherapeutic help. However, these people often do not follow the recommendations of clinicians and therapists, and the associated costs for their treatment are usually high. Thus, the best way to approach the problem is to prevent it through measures that enable people to develop resilience strategies and overcome situations that can result

This book seeks to contribute to the prevention of mental health problems. It is composed of several multidisciplinary contributions from researchers worldwide. Chapters address topics such as the relationship between smoking and mental health, how management style can have an impact on the mental health of students, the effectiveness of mental health first aid programs for young people, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and resilience development, the relationship between physical activity and mental health, and the role of physical activity in

We hope this book serves to expand knowledge about mental health and leads to the

**Adilson Marques and Margarida Gaspar de Matos**

Professor,

University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

**Hugo Sarmento** Assistant Professor, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

development of strategies to promote mental well-being.

health problem needs special attention.

in mental health problems.

neurotrophic factors.
