Dangerous Red

Recently, some students from our neighborhood middle school’s 6th grade class walked to the nearby Salt Lake City public library to do some research. As they arrived, they saw a young man wave down from the 5th floor balcony with its spectacular view to the mountains, and then jump, ending his life.

Had he been given a Grump Meter, what color would he have pointed to? Among the kids Lynn works with who have suicide ideation, or have threatened or attempted suicide, all—100%–describe being very angry and on Red when they thought about suicide or tried to kill themselves.

These same kids also say that when they are not so angry and come down to Orange, Yellow, Green or Blue, they no longer feel like ending their lives.

So, let’s help kids learn to deal with tough and emotional situations, and to stay away from Red. Let’s teach them to problem-solve and come back down the Grump Meter when they’re going toward Red. Let’s tell kids:
Stay away from Red–it’s a dangerous place to go. But if you get there, find a way to come back down and give yourself another chance to get to Blue again