(WNDU) – More than 49,000 people will kill themselves this year.

In 2023, the number of people who committed suicide was at a record high, and officials do not think the numbers for 2024 will be any better.

The reasons why people decide to take their own lives are widespread, including trauma, stress, loneliness and even genetics. Researchers are working to identify the 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’s still recovering from losing him to suicide 10 years ago.

“It’s like you don’t expect it to happen. It was a big surprise and it was so shocking,” Callor said.

Even more shocking, a few years later she lost her second cousin to suicide, and then her aunt took her own life. Callor’s mother, Katy, began to wonder if genetics were to blame.

“I’m extremely scared for my children,” Katy said.

University of Utah psychiatrist Dr. Hillary Coon is involved in an international study that has identified 12 DNA variations linked to suicide attempts. Examining more than 1.3 million cases, the researchers found a link between mental and physical health factors, including impulsivity, smoking, chronic pain, ADHD, lung conditions and heart disease.

“Some of them actually fall into genetic pathways that have to do with how the brain works, how synapses fire, and how neurons develop,” said Dr. Coon.

Dr. Coon points out that no single gene causes suicide. Rather it is the cumulative effect of many different genes. And by knowing whether genes play a role, researchers hope that treatment can begin before tragedy strikes.

“It’s absolutely scary to think every day that this is something that could happen,” Callor said. “I was also constantly struggling with my own mental health. And the only thing that kept me going was knowing how it felt on the other side. So it’s like, I have to go on for my family.”

Although more studies are being done that focus on genetics, the US aims to reduce suicides by 20% in the next few years.

They aim to achieve this by focusing on local programs that help people at risk and limit access to things that can be used to hurt you, like firearms.

If you need help, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.

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