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SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah veteran decided to help veterans who struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts by creating a movie.
Veterans Affairs reports confirm that 22 veterans commit suicide each day, and 70 percent of them are 50 and older.
"Those numbers have been slowly growing over the past few years," said David Waters, a Utah Navy veteran, who battles his own suicide demons.
As Waters struggles with his own severe depression, he finds comfort in helping other vets. He decided to tackle the tough topic of military suicide by hosting a national movie event.
Veterans Day is less than two weeks away, and Waters wants the Megaplex Theatre in The District in South Jordan to be part of that national event. On Nov. 11, movie theaters across the U.S. will show the powerful film, "Happy New Year: Everyone deserves a new beginning."
"I want to raise awareness and show support," Waters said as he stood among headstones in an elaborate display on his West Valley lawn.
Waters is a disabled veteran who has suffered from chronic depression for nearly two decades. Each of the 22 headstones and accompanying American flags on his lawn represent a veteran who will commit suicide each day.
Waters has attempted suicide several times, still has those impulses, and said he has chosen many times not to kill himself.
"During a month, there might be four or five times where I struggle all day long with it," he said.
- For Emergency Response: call 911
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System: 801-582-1565 or 1-800- 613-4012 (Toll Free) press "0" for the operator, indicate "I'm feeling suicidal".
- National Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
He receives treatment at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, but medications don't seem to help him much, and the depression is not going away. He said he wanted to focus on helping others.
According to the movie trailer, "Happy New Year" portrays a war-torn marine returning home to face his fiercest battle yet — the one against himself. The movie has received several awards.
"It will get people out there aware that there is a problem with out veterans committing suicide," Waters said.
Waters said he needs to get enough advance support through ticket pre-sales to host the movie at The District. Currently, ticket sales have reached one-third of the necessary goal for the showing. However, Waters has a commitment from an anonymous donor who will buy 37 tickets. Proceeds go toward Stop Soldier Suicide to build awareness nationwide.
"Probably one of the hardest movies I've ever seen," Waters said. The movie includes military and adult themes and rough language. Waters does not think it is appropriate for children.
In Utah, 17 veterans committed suicide in 2013, and 150 veterans on average are on the VA's high risk list for suicide in our state.
Waters said he knows his own struggles with depression are not over, and he said he seeks the positive to keep himself stabilized.
"I've had to figure out a way for myself to be able to work through the depression and suicide issues," he said.
