At Walt’s Waltz, we strive to advance our vision of reducing suffering and preventing suicides by educating the public on the vital roles that genetics and epigenetics play in mental health. Today’s research disproportionately emphasizes behavioral sciences and mental health services, often overlooking the foundational importance. Walt’s Waltz has launched the Mental Health Moonshot initiative, which includes a documentary featuring in-depth interviews with experts in the field. This initiative aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of the biological factors influencing mental health. pioneer in genetic mental health research, we work to bridge this gap and bring greater awareness to these often-misunderstood aspects of mental health.
We are committed to uniting diverse disciplines that historically have not always collaborated effectively, fostering a combined approach that addresses the root causes of mental health disorders. As the understanding of genetic and epigenetic factors grows, mental health will increasingly be recognized as a medical condition with specific causes, much like other chronic diseases. This shift will pave the way for objective diagnoses and earlier interventions, breaking down stigma and empowering individuals to seek support with the same urgency and openness given to other health conditions.
For us, this work is not just professional; it’s deeply personal, as we both lost our beloved sons to suicide. We believe that with continued research, education, and advocacy, we can bring about a world where mental health is viewed with empathy and treated with precision, understanding, and care.
An Overview of Genetics and Epigenetics with Dr. Luigi Buccoto
It’s Time for a Mental Health Moonshot
To illustrate our point, in 1971 the United States declared a war on cancer by signing the National Cancer Act which launched a massive increase in federal spending for cancer research, prompting breakthroughs that led to better, more effective treatments. We need genetic and epigenetic research to develop more novel and targeted treatments, along with providing public education on these findings as a way to de-stigmatize mental health diseases.
What Science Is Learning
Researchers around the world are studying genetics, neuroscience, inflammation, loneliness, sleep, trauma, social connection, and many other factors in hopes of better understanding mental health conditions and suicide.
The more we learn, the more we realize how much we still do not know.
Many people who struggle with mental health challenges or die by suicide do not fit common assumptions or stereotypes. Emerging research continues to reveal the complex interaction of biological, psychological, social, environmental, and life experience factors that may contribute to mental health outcomes.
At Walt's Waltz, we believe that continued research, education, collaboration, and investment in mental health offer hope for a future with earlier intervention, improved treatments, reduced suffering, and more lives saved.
To explore current research and emerging discoveries explore our Mental Health Moonshot Research Library below.
Mental Health Moonshot Research Library
Why This Library Exists
The more we learn, the more we realize how much we still do not know.
Mental health conditions and suicide are complex. Researchers around the world are studying genetics, neuroscience, inflammation, loneliness, sleep, trauma, social connection, and many other factors in hopes of better understanding why some people struggle and how more lives can be saved.
At Walt's Waltz, we believe that continued research, education, and collaboration offer hope for a future with earlier intervention, improved treatments, reduced suffering, and more lives saved.
The resources below represent a selected collection of research from respected universities, medical institutions, government agencies, and peer-reviewed journals. They are intended to encourage learning, exploration, and informed discussion.
Science continues to advance our understanding of mental health. Yet many questions remain unanswered. The Mental Health Moonshot exists because we believe we can do better.
And together, we must.
The Mental Health Moonshot Research Library is a growing collection of research selected to encourage curiosity and learning. It is not intended to prove a single theory or identify a single cause of mental illness or suicide. Rather, it reflects our commitment to exploring the many biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors researchers continue to study in hopes of reducing suffering and saving lives.
Genetics and Biological Vulnerability
Largest-Ever Genetic Study of Suicide Finds New Risk Factors
https://healthcare.utah.edu/press-releases/2023/10/largest-ever-genetic-study-of-suicide-finds-new-risk-factors
Genome-Wide Study of Suicide Attempt and Suicide Death
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2519951123
Recent Suicide Genetics Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40933164/
Neuroscience and Brain Function
Daniel H. Geschwind Lab, UCLA
https://geschwindlab.com/
National Institute of Mental Health Research
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research
Inflammation and the Immune System
Inflammatory Pathology in Depression and Suicide
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1479471/full
Neuroinflammation, Stress-Related Suicidal Ideation, and Negative Affect
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2825422
Inflammation and Suicidal Behavior Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12124015/
Loneliness, Belonging, and Social Connection
U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Social Connection
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
World Health Organization Social Connection Initiative
https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/social-connection
Loneliness, Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12961520/
Sleep and Mental Health
The Effect and Safety of Sleep Interventions on Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12272457/
Association Between Sleep Disturbances and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11483864/
Sleep Disturbances in Early Adolescents and Risk of Later Suicidality
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12133699/
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
https://sprc.org
Mental Health Equity and Research
World Health Organization Suicide Fact Sheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
Every discovery brings us one step closer to better prevention, earlier intervention, improved treatments, reduced suffering, and more lives saved.
We believe mental health deserves the same urgency, investment, and scientific commitment that have advanced outcomes in other areas of health.
The Mental Health Moonshot is our commitment to a future with greater understanding, reduced suffering, and more lives saved.
Coming soon: Ways for you to become involved in this effort.
Educational Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or legal advice. The inclusion of research articles and resources does not imply endorsement of any specific theory, treatment, or conclusion. Individuals seeking medical or mental health guidance should consult qualified healthcare professionals.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 in the United States or contact local emergency services.
For international crisis resources, visit:
FindaHelpline, supported by the United Nations and international partners, provides information about mental health, crisis, and emotional support services in more than 100 countries and territories.