THE JOURNAL OF RESEARCH REVIEW P-ISSN: 3006-2632 E-ISSN: 3006-2640 Vol. 2. No. 03 (July-Sept) 2025 Page 83-93 Dr. Sidra Ali College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar. Email: sidraaliche@uop.edu.pk Dr. Sadaf Asghar College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar. sadfasghar@uop.edu.pk Nida Ayaz Lecturer, Virtual University of Pakistan. nida.ayaz@vu.edu.pk Introduction Adolescence is a developmental stage characterized by significant biological, emotional, and cognitive changes. This phase, which normally lasts from the ages of 10 to 21, is critical for not just identity formation but also the development of self-regulation and coping skills. During this period, adolescents are exposed to a number of social and psychological pressures such as scholastic demands, peer pressure, parental expectations, and identity uncertainty, all of which can have a negative impact on their mental health (Arnett, 1999; WHO, 2023). Suicidal ideation is one of the most alarming indications of teenage psychiatric distress, described as the recurrence of ideas, intentions, or preoccupations with ending one's life. Although suicidal thought does not necessarily lead to an attempt, it is recognised as a key risk factor for suicide behaviour that must be identified and treated promptly (Beck et al., 1985; Pedersen, 2018). the latest data from the World Health Organisation (2018), suicide is one of the major causes of mortality among young people aged 15 to 29, highlighting the urgent need to investigate contributing factors and effective preventive techniques. Abstract: This study investigates the frequency, severity, and patterns of suicidal thoughts among teenagers in Peshawar, focusing on age and gender disparities. A cross-sectional design was used using a sample of 200 teenagers (100 men and 100 females) aged 15 to 21 years recruited from different educational institutions. The Modified Scale for Suicidal Ideation (MSSI) was used to determine the intensity and frequency of suicidal thoughts. SPSS was used to analyse the data, which included t-tests, chi-square, and two-way ANOVA. The results showed no significant difference in total suicide thoughts between males and females, although gender-specific patterns developed. Male adolescents aged 15–17 had considerably higher ideation than older men, while older female adolescents (18–21) had much higher ideation than their younger peers. A strong interaction impact of age and gender on suicidal thoughts was discovered. Intense suicide thoughts were more common in boys, but severe suicidal planning was more prevalent in girls. These findings emphasize the complex interplay of developmental stage and gender in determining adolescent suicidality, as well as the importance of age- and gender-sensitive preventive interventions in Pakistan's educational and mental health contexts. Keywords: Suicidal ideation, Adolescents, Gender differences, Age groups, Mental health, Pakistan, Suicide attempt, MSSI Camouflaged Pain: Adolescent Mental Distress Interwoven with Age and Gender Expectations