New Press Contribution in AskMen on Masculinity

Recently I was asked to share some thoughts on modern masculinity with AskMen. In the post we explore what contemporary masculinity is, can be, and how men can work towards owning their personal sense of masculine identity.

Read the article at this link.

Subscribe to My Newsletter Coffee and Contemplation

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!

Visit https://jorelcaraballo.substack.com/ to subscribe and I look forward to your comments and feedback there.

Self-Care for Black Men: Prostate Cancer Health Screenings

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 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.

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.