Check out our October newsletter!
FAMILY FORUM
OCTOBER 2020
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OUR EVOLVING VIEWOF MENTAL HEALTH
W hen “Joker” came out last October, the public’s reaction was polarizing: Some thought it was brilliant and thought- provoking, and others thought it was irresponsible and insensitive. Still, it was hard for both camps to ignore its
in with myself each day. Thankfully, I have a support system of people I feel comfortable talking with about what I am going through, like Genet, my dad, my mom, my grandma, and my sister. Genet is my biggest supporter and
encourages me to open up when something is bothering me. My business coach, Keppen, helps me look at our firm from a “big picture” perspective. He presents new ideas and goals that help us continually improve our services and processes. I am also fortunate to have an online therapist through an app called BetterHelp. My therapist and I discuss the way I think and why I place importance on some things and not others. We explore different mental exercises I can do to determine/confront how I’m feeling and why. Certainly, online therapy is not for everyone (because everyone’s needs are different), but it certainly gives me tools to overcome moments of high anxiety. I have only tried BetterHelp, but there are many other virtual therapy apps out there, such as Talkspace, Regain, Pride Counseling, Amwell, Youper, Moodpath, Bloom, and I am (to name a few). Mental health is very important when it comes to family law, too. What each party does and says in the proceedings, and how, can have a lasting impact on their mental health and that of their children, if they have any. That is why it is so important to have a separate outlet and not let emotions take full control of perspectives and decisions. We should all assess our mental health often. My personal opinion is that many of us, myself included, are not equipped to analyze our own mental health. It is very hard to evaluate ourselves dispassionately because we lack the skill set, education, training, and
impact on conversations about mental health. I am not sure if you have seen the film, but at the start of it, there was a mental health commercial that set the tone for the rest of the movie. When I saw that, I knew the film wouldn’t be the typical crime thriller. To me, it was a sad story exploring how the main character’s mental state spiraled over time and how that caused others to suffer greatly as a result. So, in honor of World Mental Health Day this Oct. 10, I think it’s important we consider the importance of evaluating our own mental health. Over the years, I have noticed how the media’s presentation of mental health has shifted toward greater awareness and empathy, which is refreshing. Before this shift, popular films like “Analyze This” and “Black Swan” ranged from making light of seeing a therapist to stigmatizing people diagnosed with mental illnesses. The idea that mental illness is only linked to violence and insanity creates the stereotype that only certain people need to take care of their mental health, which I do not believe is true. I have come a long way when it comes to being in tune with my mental health. When I was younger, I opted to tune out my fears and anxious thoughts rather than working through them. As a result, I had no idea how to express myself at my most vulnerable times, and I felt overwhelmed when others tried to do the same with me. Now, I feel empowered to check
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THE BEST HALLOWEEN MOVIES ON DISNEY+
Pop some popcorn and break out the candy corn because it’s time for a spooky family movie night! Disney+ offers a treasure trove of Halloween movies with just the right amount of tricks and treats. Here are a few of the best Halloween movies you can watch on Disney+ right now. ‘Halloweentown’ When 13-year-old Marnie and her siblings follow their grandmother home on Halloween night, they make some surprising discoveries. Not only does their grandmother live in Halloweentown, a place where monsters lead normal lives, but their whole family is secretly a bunch of witches! Marnie must learn to rely on the magic of family in order to save her grandmother and all of Halloweentown. If your family enjoys “Halloweentown,” you’ll be glad to know that all three of its sequels are also on Disney+! ‘Frankenweenie’ This movie is a charming twist on the classic horror story! When a young boy loses his faithful dog, he uses the power of mad science to bring the pooch back to life. What follows is a strange and
heartwarming stop-motion adventure about the love between a boy and his dog. Some scenes may be a little intense for young children, but “Frankenweenie” never becomes too scary for kids to enjoy. ‘Hocus Pocus’ Max and his family have just moved from California to Salem, Massachusetts, when Max accidentally resurrects three evil witches. To save his little sister, Max must team up with his new crush and a talking cat to stop the witches’ reign of terror. “Hocus Pocus” does contain some truly frightening scenes, so it may not be appropriate for young children. However, the way this film balances comedy and humor makes it a perfect Halloween thrill for older kids. These are just a few of the Halloween movies streaming on Disney+. When you’re done with these, scroll through the catalog to find some more new favorites. Happy Halloween! at these trends yourself or set the app to monitor specific areas of your mood. This highly customizable app is packed with tools and resources to help you with your mental health. In addition to the mood tracker, Moodfit offers a range of breathing exercises and a guide to mindfulness meditation. MoodMission (MoodMission.com) If you’re struggling with mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, you may feel like this free, evidence-based app is designed just for you. MoodMission asks you a series of questions to assess how you’re feeling, then suggests a series of “missions” you can complete to help you get into a better state of mind. Missions are short, achievable tasks, like taking a walk around the block or cleaning up a room in your home. Of course, like all the apps listed here, it is not a replacement for professional mental health care, but it offers evidence-based exercises and a level of support that are not often found in smartphone apps. Talkspace (Talkspace.com) While this app contains a number of mental health tools, its primary purpose is to connect you quickly with one of the company’s thousands of licensed and experienced therapists you can message on a regular basis. Unlike traditional therapy where you schedule an appointment and meet in person, Talkspace allows its user to communicate with their therapist through the app’s encrypted messaging system. It also allows you to request a check-in from your therapist and provides a place for them to upload your therapy notes. Talkspace is more costly than some other apps, but depending on your specific needs, it may be worth it.
When you lead a busy lifestyle, mental health often takes a back seat to other pressing matters. Thankfully, there are a number of easy-to-use apps to help address this concern. Even if you’re pressed for time, these apps can help you maintain your mental health. And if you’re just looking for some simple resources to guide you through mood-boosting exercises, they’ve got you covered there too. Moodfit (GetMoodfit.com) Think of this app as a fitness tracker for your mind. The mood tracker allows you to record your moods and thoughts and follow trends and changes over time. You can look
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Riley Scott is our Law Clerk here at Johnson Law Group, and she is passionate about every aspect of her work. Yet, her path to this career was, as she calls it, unconventional. It twisted and turned until she found herself exactly where she belonged.
"In the day when I cried out, you answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul ." –Psalm 138:3
Growing up on the East Coast, Riley wanted to be a veterinarian and was drawn to the sciences. After getting her Bachelor’s in ecology and Master’s in marine biology, she worked as a chemist in water treatment for three years. In that time, she studied environmental regulations to gain a certification in environmental compliance. This experience altered her course. When Riley could no longer advance in this career, she turned to law. “I thought law school would be interesting,” Riley remembers. “I really enjoyed the regulation side of things, and it seemed to fit me really well.” Although she’d intended to pursue a degree in environmental law, her path took another turn. “I realized what I loved the most is working with people, and you don’t do that when you’re working on policy,” Riley explains. Soon after, she gained experience in family law at the Juvenile and Family Law Clinic at the University of Colorado Law School. “I got into the family side of things, and coming from a family that has experienced numerous family law-related legal issues, it was a good fit for me. I was comfortable with the content, and it's such a personal thing when you're working with people going through some of their toughest moments. I absolutely love what I do now, and I plan to do it for as long as possible.” Since joining our team at Johnson Law Group, Riley has shown us just how passionate she is about her work. “I’m here to support the individuals we represent. I'm grateful for the opportunities and mentorship provided all across the board here. I’m fueled by the passion and our mission here at the Johnson Law Group. It’s a great place to work.” We see Riley’s dedication each day and are so proud to have someone like her to represent everything we stand for at the firm.
Inspired by Candiquik.com SPOOKY STRAWBERRY GHOSTS
These adorable chocolate-dipped strawberry ghosts will be the stars of your Halloween party!
Ingredients
Outside the office, Riley tries to spend her time outdoors, cycling or hiking. However, most of her time is spent with her two rescue dogs, Axel and Disco. Her dogs are adorable, “and extremely high maintenance,” Riley jokes. She spends the rest of her free time engaging with local businesses in her community.
• 16 oz white chocolate, chopped • 24 strawberries • 1 package mini dark chocolate chips
Directions
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate at 50% power for 30 seconds. Remove it and stir, then repeat the process until melted. 2. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper. 3. One by one, dip the strawberries into the melted white chocolate and set them on the parchment. Allow the extra chocolate to pool to form a “tail” effect. 4. Before the chocolate coating fully cools, add three mini chocolate chips to each berry to form two eyes and a mouth. 5. Let chocolate set, then serve your spooky snacks!
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wisdom that counselors and psychotherapists spend decades attaining. And although friends and family can offer support, talking to them about what is bothering us doesn’t always resolve the issue (or end with the best advice!). Professionals can give us evidence-based advice focused not just on our short-term emotions, but also on our long-term health. If you ever find yourself wanting strategies to manage life’s more difficult moments, I recommend therapy. We should never forget that our mental health matters, and there is nothing wrong with talking about it. Why not start right now? –Myles Johnson
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INSIDE
Proactively Managing Our Mental Health
Family-Friendly Halloween Movies You CanWatch Tonight!
The Best Mental Health Apps You Can Use From Home
Spotlight on Riley Scott
The Good News!
Spooky Strawberry Ghosts
Local Events, Social Distance Style
3 WAYS TO HAVE FUN SAFELY THIS MONTH
Distillery & Crafthouse. Movies this month include "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" on Oct. 8 and "Halloween" on Oct. 22. All attendees are required to wear a mask when entering and moving around the facility. Attendees must also set up their blankets or chairs on the designated X’s, which are appropriately distanced, and they must limit their group size to eight people. Moviegoers are also asked to leave small children and pets at home.
— sharpen their focus through their informative classes. If you’ve been struggling to stay focused on your work lately, these courses might be exactly what you need to get you motivated. Visit their website today to watch their focus videos and feel free to check out their many other useful videos too! Virtual Tai Chi When: Nov. 2–23, 2–3 p.m. Where: Online Admission: See website for details. Website: Active.com/commerce-city-co/tai-chi Tai chi helps us relax, both mentally and physically. The practice’s slow movements, combined with deep breathing, allow us to clear our mind and reduce our stress. Now you can learn the first 24 yang style forms of tai chi through this virtual class. If you’ve been looking to get active but can’t get outside, give virtual tai chi a try.
While we may not be able to get together in large groups, there are still plenty of events we can attend while practicing social distancing. Summer Nights Outdoor Movie Series When: Oct. 8 & 22, 8 p.m. Where: Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse Admission: $5 Website: Denver.org/event/summer-nights- outdoor-movie-series/79392 To get your spook on and enjoy a holiday- related movie outdoors, check out the last movie showings of the year at the Ironton
How to Improve Your Focus When: Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. Where: Online Admission: Free! Website: IrisReading.com
If you find yourself easily distracted and want to boost your productivity, this free online class is perfect for you. Iris Reading has helped hundreds of people — especially students, lifelong learners, and professionals
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