Marty Brickey, a U.S.-based entrepreneur, technology leader, and veteran mental health advocate, has released a free resource designed to help individuals take practical steps to support veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. The 'Veteran Support Conversation Checklist' is an easy-to-use guide that helps family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members recognize warning signs, prepare supportive conversations, and connect veterans with appropriate resources.
Brickey, whose current work focuses on using technology to improve support for veterans, says the checklist reflects his philosophy of solving real problems with practical solutions. 'I've always believed the best opportunities are the ones people overlook. The same is true with helping people. Sometimes the biggest difference comes from noticing someone who might otherwise be overlooked,' Brickey said.
The checklist is designed to be completed in about 15 minutes. In that time, readers can learn common signs that someone may be struggling, review conversation starters that encourage open discussion, identify local and national support resources, create a personal plan for checking in with veterans, and commit to a follow-up action. Brickey intentionally designed the resource to be simple and accessible, emphasizing that 'you don't have to solve every problem today. You just have to take the first step.'
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 17 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States. The VA also estimates that 11% to 20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD in a given year. Research indicates that many veterans wait months or even years before seeking mental health treatment, often due to stigma or concerns about how others will perceive them.
'Professional care is essential,' Brickey said. 'But family, friends, and coworkers are often the first people to notice when something isn't right.' The checklist aims to empower these individuals to take that first step. Brickey also highlights common mistakes that can hinder support, such as waiting for someone to ask for help, assuming veterans always want to discuss their service, or trying to solve every problem instead of listening.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that untreated mental health conditions can affect employment, relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life, creating long-term impacts. Brickey believes that small, consistent check-ins often matter more than one big conversation. 'People often think they need perfect words,' he said. 'Most of the time, simply showing up and listening is far more important.'
The free checklist is available for download from Brickey's website. He encourages everyone to spend 15 minutes working through it and to check in with at least one veteran, service member, or military family member this week. The resource is part of Brickey's broader efforts to use technology and innovation to serve people, with a goal of making practical tools more accessible to those who need them.
