On November 18, we observe International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a congressionally designated occasion for those who have lost someone to suicide to connect and find solace in shared experiences.
In 2022, the United States lost an estimated 49,449 lives to suicide. The District of Columbia has a lower age-adjusted suicide rate than the national average. However, the District still saw an average of one suicide every seven days, ranking suicide as the 14th leading cause of death, and the third leading cause for individuals 10-24 years of age in the city.
A National Institutes of Health study suggests a concerning link between cannabis use and suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts for teens and young adults. These associations remained regardless of whether someone was also experiencing depression.
The District offers a variety of resources to connect District residents to behavioral health and crisis services, including: