Staying Humble & Grounded

My name is Jarret Pellow. Recently I have been participating as a practicum student with the Umbrella Society in Victoria BC. The Umbrella Society offers a range of services and supports at a grass-roots level to individuals who have experienced substance use and mental health issues. These services range from one on one peer support, referring clients to services and help navigating the complex system individuals face while trying to receive treatment for their particular experience. My experience with Umbrella has been at the very least inspiring and at the same time compiled of ambiguous emotional realizations and dubious situations. Thus being a reflection of the triumphs and hardships we all face in our everyday lives. I was not drawn to this field for any one particular reason, rather a multitude of compounding explanations that I am in the midst of seeing come to fruition during my time with Umbrella.

During my life, like most individuals my age, (30) I have been directly and indirectly affected by mental health and addiction issues. Both experiences are often co-morbid with each other. Also co-morbid with mental health and addictions are the banal stigmatizations made by not only individuals we don’t know but our peers, family members and friends. I don’t believe this to be driven by an innate distaste for people who perhaps haven’t received the same support as another individual, but possibly driven by a defence-mechanism deep within people who on some level fear the notion they too are not entirely in control of their own experience. I believe this stigma is perpetuated by a society that promotes an individualist viewpoint. The notion that anyone in their perceived “success” got there for all the right reasons and anyone who hasn’t had that experience is often scrutinized for all the reasons they did not. This black and white type of thinking, or self-serving bias is somewhat engrained in us as a culture. I believe that just being aware of this and forcing ourselves to critically think before making a judgement is a starting point to create a more compassionate and understanding society. Being aware of a distorted lens is what we seem to ask of our fellow citizens struggling with substance use and mental health issues, I think that it is only right we apply this notion unto ourselves.

During my practicum at The Umbrella Society I have spent my time divided amongst the four present outreach workers and I've been fortunate to participate in staff meetings with the Executive Director being present as well. I have spent time in the community shadowing my supervisors and participating in the client-centred support Umbrella offers. My experience has been extremely diverse as I have shared my time working in the community with spending time at Foundation House. Foundation House is a abstinence-based recovery house for adult males that is currently being run by The Umbrella Society as well. Although all the staff at Umbrella or course operate within their own personal lens and experience, the overwhelming sense of congruency regarding their passion, genuineness and unconditional positive regard is overwhelming. This has been reflected outright by the clients of Umbrella and the group of men who are currently residing at Foundation House. Not only do the residents receive supports from the Umbrella workers but from each other as well. This creates an opportunity for individuals to create the life they want and deserve for themselves in a open and non-judgemental setting. Creating a safe environment with multiple supports that can be utilized is something we all need to navigate the world in a positive way, and Foundation House is a place that can offer that.

I was asked to write this blurb by Luke who is a resident at Foundation House and is the one-man-show producing this magazine in its entirety. I know due to his genuine humbleness and altruistic nature he wouldn’t want me to call him out like this, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to meet everyone during my time at Umbrella and Foundation House with the opportunity contribute to the first edition of Stigma Magazine!

Looking toward my future in this field is both exiting and nerve-racking. I am looking forward to transferring my skills, experience, and education into a career I am passionate about. I am hopeful I will be able to utilize my passion for the human condition and have an positive impact in some form within all populations of people. Addressing these issues with an open mind and self awareness in order to provide a truly genuine form of compassion is extremely important to me. Achieving this within an organization that I believe shares the same notions is my ultimate goal. Conversely, being patient, staying humble and grounded will be paramount in achieving personal success within myself and within others.