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Admittedly, I’m not the best at updating my blog here but I wanted to let you know of another avenue to follow my work and writing. In addition to joining me on social media (Instagram: @jorelcaraballo), you can also receive biweekly updates via my newsletter on Substack at https://jorelcaraballo.substack.com/. There you will find more discussion on mental health and my musings about life, as well as read any author related updates!
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Self-Care for Black Men: Prostate Cancer Health Screenings
When it comes to prostate cancer, Black men tend to be more vulnerable than their white counterparts. Here’s why screening and prevention is especially important for Black men.
In this series of posts, I will cover topics specifically to help Black men embrace better health and wellness. My book, Self-Care for Black Men is available for purchase and you can find more information about it at this link.
When it comes to prostate cancer, Black men tend to be more vulnerable than their white counterparts. There is a racial disparity in prostate cancer rates which has been consistently observed over time. While there are many factors that contribute to the prevalence of prostate cancer, Black men seem to be at higher risk, and at younger ages. This means Black men should be particularly mindful of their risk and self-advocating for routine screenings.
A Difference in Mortality Rates
Unfortunately, not only are Black men more likely to develop prostate cancer, but they also have a higher mortality rate from the disease (than white peers). This is, in part, due to delayed screenings and late-stage diagnosis. The reasons for this delay are likely due to a lack of awareness of the need for early screening, as well as difficulty finding competent providers due to lack of insurance coverage or the prohibitive cost of care. Nonetheless, Black men should be particularly cautious of their risk early, especially if there is a family history.
The Role of Genetics
Black men need to be conscious of family history of prostate cancer risk. There is some research that suggests genetics may also play a significant role in Black men's increased susceptibility to prostate cancer. Many genetic mutations have been found to occur at a higher rate in Black men and contribute to greater, and more aggressive, risk or early onset. Ongoing research will, no doubt, continue to identify risk factors specific to Black men. Furthermore, not only can these mutations increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, they may also complicate the treatment process, making early identification and intervention key for treatment success.
The Power of Prevention
Given the increased risk and mortality rate, early detection of prostate cancer is a particularly effective, and important, strategy for Black men. In most instances, screening is completed by blood test and/or a rectal exam in office. Current screening recommendations state that men should start getting screened for prostate cancer at the age of 50 and then every 3-5 years thereafter (if not otherwise indicated). However, it may also be advisable that due to the higher risk faced by Black men, regular screenings at earlier ages might also be a helpful strategy.
To learn more about prostate cancer risk in Black men, read this post from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Self-Diagnosis on Scripps News
Self-diagnosing mental health issues via social media is a big trend these days, especially on TikTok. But, you should be careful.
Self-diagnosing via social media is a big trend these days, especially on TikTok. As many more people seek a better understanding of their own mental health it’s important to be careful about the information you consume online. I recently talked with Kristin Krauss of Scripps News on the topic.
Take a look at the coverage below!
What is Shadow Work?
Shadow work is the process of making the unconscious conscious. It was coined by Carl Jung to help promote internal self-awareness and acceptance.
Shadow work is the process of making the unconscious conscious. It was coined by Carl Jung to help promote internal self-awareness and acceptance.
Carl Jung was a psychiatrist and analyst, and generally a frenemy of Sigmund Freud (especially in the later years as their theories on the human mind diverged even further). Through his studies and observation of psychology he developed a comprehensive theory about the human psyche, which included what he called the shadow.
In depth/analytical psychology, the shadow self refers to the parts of ourselves that generally fall outside of our daily consciousness. To put it simply, when we’re out living - and focusing on the things that most readily require our attention- there are repressed, and even dark, parts of ourselves that continue to operate in the background. Sometimes that can look like deep anger, hurt related to trauma history, the desire for revenge, low self-worth, etc.
If unchecked things in this hidden part of the psyche can be incredibly disruptive. For a lot of people this can look like an inner saboteur.
Through strategies like dream analysis, introspection, symbol analysis and meaning-making you can learn more about the hidden parts that “leak out” at times in an attempt to make themselves known. The process of shadow involves the work of analyzing those reflections and working to integrate otherwise undesirable thoughts, feelings and experiences into the fuller parts of ourselves. In doing so, you limit the power of that inner saboteur as you practice life with less shame, guilt and hiding from yourself.
Ultimately, it is the compassion, self-acceptance and wholeness that shadow work seeks to help you with.
If you are trying to learn more about yourself, and want to practice loving on the most seemingly unlovable parts, then shadow work may be for you.
You can purchase a copy of my book The Shadow Work Workbook at this link.
The Shadow Work Workbook Celebrates 6 Months in Stores
My first book, The Shadow Work Workbook, celebrates over 6 month since publication!
As I’m writing this post, my first book The Shadow Work Workbook celebrates over 6 month since publication!
Writing a book is an extremely vulnerable position to put yourself in whether you’re in the business of sharing personal stories via memoir or guiding people through the self-help and nonfiction genres. While these formats aren’t created equal in this respect (memoirs are among the most vulnerable, no doubt) sharing your thoughts via permanent, written word means getting a lot of feedback on your tone, style and message. It’s probably the single most terrifying part about the writing and publishing experience, at least to me. I’ve heard, and read, of many other authors who share this feeling.
To be more than 6 months out from publication is a gift. One of the things that I’ve been a bit surprised, and delighted, by is hearing from a few people that they’ve gifted a copy of my book to someone they know. I don’t think there’s any bigger praise for an author, irrespective of genre.
I was at a personal event recently and got to catch up with some folks I consider extended family who I haven’t seen in years. One of the things I heard was how they were experiencing the book and sharing it with other people in their lives. To have that kind of affirmation is moving, and I know that I’ll continue to absorb this feedback and support as times goes on. Right now, I’m swimming in tears of gratitude.
If you’re also in the process of writing then you know how vulnerable the process can make you feel. The good news is that if you work alongside that fear, and write from your heart, your work will touch people. They won’t forget how you’ve made them feel, whether that’s 25 people or 25,000.
I’m starting to appreciate this idea much more these days.