Which of the following is a warning sign of suicide risk in adolescence?

• A. Expressions of hopelessness
• B. Regular attendance and participation in activities
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Sudden calm after distress

Answer: (A)

Expressions of hopelessness indicate a persistent belief that things won’t get better and that there is no solution to the distress. In adolescence, this mindset can be a powerful warning sign because it shows the person may feel trapped and start considering suicide as a way to escape pain. When teens verbalize or display that things will never improve, it’s a signal to take their feelings seriously, reach out with support, and seek professional help promptly.

Regular attendance and participation suggest continued engagement with life, friends, and activities, which generally argues against imminent risk. Increased appetite isn’t a typical indicator of suicide risk, and while a sudden calm after distress can appear in some scenarios, the strongest and most reliable warning in this context is the expression of hopelessness.