Can that impact adults’ ability to recognize the warning signs of suicide?
Dr. Silverman: Yes it might. Adolescents do go through various phases of development, which may include poor self-esteem and apathy, but these are usually transient. In most cases, adolescents experience them for brief periods, but they are not mental states that linger on for long periods of time. Initially, it may be difficult to identify teenagers suffering from an illness associated with suicidal behavior. However, we can examine how long certain warning signs have been evident, how intense they are, and how frequently these behaviors occur. Such observations can provide clues that these are actually warning signs rather than temporary reactions to incidents in their lives. GC: Are all teens equally vulnerable, or are certain teens at a greater risk than others for suicide? Dr. Silverman: While it is true that the overall 15- to 24-year-old population is at higher risk, on an individual level, not every teenager is equally at risk. Some teens are actually at a lower risk because th
