Family connection: Genetics of suicide
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (WGEM) - More than 49,000 people will die by suicide this year. In 2023, the number of people dying by suicide was at an all-time high and officials do not believe the numbers for 2024 will be any better. The reasons why people decide to take their own life are widespread, including trauma, stress, loneliness, and even genetics. Researchers are working to identify people who are most at risk before something terrible happens.
The memory of her uncle brings a smile to Alexis Callor’s face, even though she is still healing from losing him to suicide 10 years ago.
Alexis Callor said, “It’s like you don’t expect it to happen. It was a big surprise, and it was so shocking.”
Even more shocking — a few years later she lost her second cousin to suicide, and then her aunt took her own life. Alexis’ mom, Katy started to question if genetics were to blame.
“It makes me extremely fearful for my children,” said Katy Callor.
University of Utah Psychiatrist Hillary Coon is involved in an international study that has identified 12 DNA variations linked to suicide attempts. By examining more than 1.3 million cases, researchers have uncovered a connection between mental and physical health factors including impulsivity, smoking, chronic pain, ADHD, pulmonary conditions and heart disease.
“Some of them do actually fall into gene pathways that have to do with how the brain works, with how synapses fire and how neurons are developing,” explained Dr. Coon.
Dr. Coon stresses no single gene causes suicide. Rather it’s the cumulative effect of many different genes.
And by knowing if genes play a role, researchers hope the treatment can begin before tragedy strikes.
Katy Callor said, “It’s absolutely terrifying to think about every day that that’s something that could potentially happen.”
“I was also just continually struggling with my own mental health. And the one thing that kept me going was the fact that I know what it felt like on the other side. So, it’s like, I gotta keep going for my family,” explained Alexis Callor.
While more studies are being done focusing on the genetics, the US aims to reduce suicides by 20% in the next few years by focusing on local programs that help people at risk and limit access to things that can be used to harm oneself, such as firearms. If you need help, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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