The statistics are staggering. An estimated 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. Veteran suicide rates remain significantly higher than civilian rates. And countless more veterans struggle silently with depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and the invisible wounds of service.
But here's the thing — awareness isn't enough anymore. Veterans don't need more hashtags. They need action. Here are seven proven, practical ways to support military veterans' mental health in 2026.
1. Fund Surf Therapy and Alternative Treatment Programs
Traditional talk therapy and medication work for many veterans, but they're not the only path to healing. Alternative and complementary therapies — including surf therapy, equine therapy, art therapy, and wilderness programs — have shown remarkable results for veterans who haven't responded to conventional treatment.
Surf therapy, in particular, has emerged as one of the most promising approaches. Organizations like the Surf Brigade Foundation provide free, curriculum-based surf therapy retreats that help veterans process trauma through ocean immersion, physical challenge, and community building. Peer-reviewed research from the International Surf Therapy Organization consistently shows significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, depression, and overall well-being among participants.
How to help: Shop veteran-designed gear from Surf Brigade — 100% of profits fund free surf therapy programs for veterans.
2. Hire Veterans and Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Employment is one of the strongest predictors of mental health outcomes for veterans. The structure, purpose, and social connection that comes with meaningful work directly combats the isolation and aimlessness that many veterans experience after leaving service.
Beyond hiring, you can support the veteran community by intentionally purchasing from veteran-owned businesses. When you buy from companies founded and operated by veterans, you're investing in their success and the community they serve.
How to help: Look for veteran-owned certifications, shop at veteran-founded brands like Surf Brigade, and advocate for veteran hiring programs at your workplace.
3. Volunteer with Veteran Service Organizations
Veteran service organizations (VSOs) are the backbone of veteran support in America. From the VFW and American Legion to specialized nonprofits focused on mental health, housing, and employment, these organizations rely heavily on volunteer support to deliver their programs.
You don't need to be a veteran to volunteer. Most organizations need help with events, fundraising, administrative support, mentorship, and community outreach. Your time can be just as valuable as your money.
4. Learn to Recognize the Signs
Many veterans won't ask for help. The military culture of toughness and self-reliance can make it incredibly difficult to admit vulnerability. Learning to recognize the signs of PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation in the veterans in your life can literally save lives.
Watch for:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Expressions of hopelessness or feeling like a burden
- Hypervigilance, irritability, or angry outbursts
If you see these signs, don't wait. Reach out. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988 and pressing 1.
5. Support Corporate Sponsorship of Veteran Programs
If you're in a position of influence at your company, consider sponsoring veteran mental health programs. Corporate sponsorship is one of the most impactful ways businesses can give back to the military community.
Organizations like the Surf Brigade Foundation offer corporate sponsorship packages that allow businesses to directly fund surf therapy retreats for veterans. It's a tangible, measurable investment in veteran well-being — and it's good for business, too. Consumers increasingly want to support brands that align with causes they care about.
Interested? Contact us to learn about Surf Brigade corporate sponsorship opportunities.
6. Connect Veterans with Community
Isolation kills. It's one of the most dangerous risk factors for veteran suicide, and it's one of the easiest to address. Simply including the veterans in your life in social activities, inviting them to events, and maintaining regular contact can make a bigger difference than you realize.
Community-based programs that bring veterans together around shared activities — like surfing, hiking, fishing, or team sports — are particularly effective because they rebuild the sense of unit cohesion that veterans lost when they left service.
7. Advocate for Funding and Policy Change
At the systemic level, veteran mental health outcomes depend on adequate funding for the VA, expanded access to alternative therapies, and policies that reduce barriers to care. Contact your representatives, support legislation that expands veteran mental health resources, and use your voice to keep veteran issues on the national agenda.
The Bottom Line
Supporting veteran mental health isn't a one-time act — it's an ongoing commitment. Whether you shop from a veteran-owned brand, volunteer your time, or simply check in on the veteran in your life, every action matters.
At the Surf Brigade Foundation, we believe that the ocean has the power to heal what traditional approaches sometimes can't reach. Our free surf therapy programs have helped veterans across the country rediscover purpose, rebuild community, and reclaim their lives. Join the mission.