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KANSAS CITY -- In the wake of the Colorado movie theater shootings, Lynn Kaufman explains anger control, and how the Grump Meter can help manage intense feelings.
A Letter on Suicide Prevention, in the Kansas City Star's 913 paper
“I want to thank Steve Rose for his column, Sept. 12 913 column, “Rising tide of suicides needs education and action.”
While I appreciate your addressing the growing rate of suicide among adults, it must be mentioned that the rate of suicide among our youth is equally alarming. Nearly 20 youth commit suicide every day in our country. The action and education for anger management and self-control skills must start early.
Every day, as a licensed clinical social worker at KVC Behavioral Health Care, I work with children who have attempted or considered suicide. The underlying motive I see involves children describing an issue or crisis they cannot solve. They become hopeless. In their most desperate moments, they see no other way to solve their problems. This leads to thoughts and attempts of suicide.
Another common thread is anger — a rage or internal explosiveness that has either become so deep-rooted or even ignored that they cannot let go. And so their thoughts turn to self-destruction.
Anger management and emotional self-regulation are among the most important behavioral skills we can teach children. Kids deserve to learn how to behave, and it’s our obligation to teach children alternative ways to get what they need and express themselves without aggression to self or others.
When children are given a chance to explore their stories, they begin to see their own gifts. They stop wanting to die and begin to embrace living.
We must find ways to communicate and talk to kids — even when they do not want to talk to us.”
-Lynn Kaufman
