Though Mental Health Awareness Month has ended, the demand for practical mental health resources continues, according to volunteers from the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Ventura who conducted a community outreach over the weekend. The effort was part of a coordinated worldwide campaign timed to the anniversary of the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, by L. Ron Hubbard.
A Pew Research study cited by the foundation found that roughly half of American adults under 30 say managing stress is a major challenge, and one in three rate their mental health as only fair or poor—higher than any older demographic. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report in May declaring the country's youth to be in a mental health crisis.
In response, volunteers set up at the Ventura Pier Boardwalk, offering free stress tests and information about Dianetics. The book, first published in 1950, has sold over 20 million copies and is available in 50 languages across 225 countries and territories. The word Dianetics comes from the Greek dia meaning "through" and nous meaning "mind or soul," and refers to "what the mind is doing to the body."
One visitor, recently laid off, experienced significant anxiety affecting his family. After a stress test, he realized he needed to take charge of his life, purchased a copy of the book, and scheduled a complimentary Dianetics counselling session. Volunteers said such moments underscored the purpose of the outreach.
"Mental health awareness should not end when May ends; mental health is essential year round," said Nancy Herman, a volunteer with the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Ventura. "People we met were dealing with work pressure, family concerns, financial anxiety and the everyday stress of life in Ventura. Dianetics gives them a practical way to understand the source of that stress and tools they can use to take control of it."
The Ventura activity was part of a global Dianetics outreach involving volunteers in over 250 cities across 50 nations, from Los Angeles to London and New York to New Delhi. Teams offered the book and invited attendees to local lectures and seminars.
The Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Ventura provides introductory demonstrations and weekend Dianetics Seminars. For more information, visit www.dianetics.org.
