June Mental Health Spotlight: From the Hole to Healing: One Man’s Journey Toward Mental Health and Self-Discovery (Archived)

 June/July 2025 Edition

This month’s spotlight features Oscar, who generously shares, in his own words, the story of how his healing journey began. From a defining moment in solitary confinement to years of reflection, growth, and hard-won self-awareness, Oscar’s path reminds us that change can start in the most unexpected places. His voice is a powerful reminder that mental health recovery is possible, even when the odds feel impossible. I’m honored to share his story with you.

What Led Me to Begin My Healing Journey

In the year 2000, I was before a panel of people, a lieutenant, a sergeant, a case counselor assigned to me, and a therapist. They were going through my file detailing why I was in segregation. In the California prison system, it’s also called the hole. I was sent to the hole for a violent fight I was in with another guy inside of prison. At the time I was serving a double life sentence, I fell under the title of Juvenile lifer, which in my case at the time, was a juvenile who was tried as an adult. 

At this time, my life had been on a fast track, going nowhere, nowhere good at least! This was the 3rd time I was in the hole. The panel was discussing among themselves my behavior in the 5 years that I had been in prison up to that point, and whether I now qualified for a deeper investigation to determine if I should be kept in segregation/ the hole indefinitely for the remainder of my sentence, which was life. This moment brought it home to me that what was my life needed some serious looking at from me. It started me down that path. Getting a working definition of the phrase Mental Health gave me a reference point, a template in a way to get a sense of my current state, and as a way of measuring progress or regression.

What I Wish More People Understood About Mental Health

Even today, there are so many of us who don’t know how little we actually know about mental health and how this impacts how we treat others with mental health challenges in our communities and in our families. 

How I Prioritize My Mental Well-Being While Supporting Others

This has been a tough one for me. The more I read about the subject, the more I speak with professionals in this field and the more I address things in myself, and practice checking in with myself what my opinion is today that to be able to be there, in this case for myself is on going education along with training, and if it’s accessible to me talking with a therapist to come up with a plan/ template that is used along side talking with someone about my work with others, a debriefing if you will because slipping into grey areas is a real possibility. 

What is one common mental health misconception you’d like to debunk?

So, a common misconception I would like to join the larger conversation in debunking is the othering of people with mental illness, or people who are struggling with mental health. I believe when we individually begin to take an honest look at ourselves, our thinking, our actions, the life of our emotions, we can start seeing ourselves in others, and that’s when a meaningful chance of experiencing empathy can arise. Because I think we need to see ourselves in others to relate, to be inspired to help others! 

About Oscar:

My name is Oscar Rodriguez. I am the founder and owner of Underdogs K9 Training LLC. I am a former Juvenile lifer. I am 48 years old. At 17 years old I was arrested and charged and subsequently found guilty for a gang-motivated crime for which I received a double life sentence plus 8 years to be served in adult prison. In 2019, I came before the California Parole Board and was granted mercy and parole. Since then, my life has been dedicated to helping others and giving back to my community. I have collaborated with the Pawsitive Change Program, where I have re-entered California Prisons assisting in teaching incarcerated men the intricacies of dog behavior and dog Training, as well as in collaboration with other community-based organizations, I have entered juvenile facilities to mentor incarcerated youth. 

Thank you for stopping by! Until next time, remember that you are not alone in your feelings or experiences. I've got your back! For more updates, click here.

Disclaimer for Monthly Mental Health Spotlight:

The guests featured in the Monthly Mental Health Spotlight on Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well with Mental Illness share their personal experiences and insights about mental health. Their stories are meant to inspire, raise awareness, and foster dialogue. 

Please note that the views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of Darkness to Dialogue. We encourage readers to seek professional guidance if they are struggling with mental health concerns. This platform is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice.