On March 2, among all the chaos at the West Virginia State Capitol, there was a quiet statement being made on the steps.  362 pairs of shoes were displayed on steps, each signifying a life lost to suicide in 2016.  The day was designated as an advocacy day for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness and was sponsored by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.  Among those who were present for the impactful day were Bridgeport residents Heather Swiger and two of her children, Zeke and Miyah.

 

“Seeing the display of shoes was so moving,” said Swiger. “Thirteen of the pairs were pointing toward the entrance of the Capitol, signifying there were 13 more lives lost to suicide than the year before.”

 

The group intended to speak with their delegates and senators about suicide prevention and mental illness awareness, but with the strike going on at the time, they created advocacy packets instead.

 

“We gathered the night before to prepare packets for them, using our personal stories to demonstrate the importance of mental health advocacy for people of all backgrounds,” said Swiger.  “We gave the packets to the administrative assistants to pass on to the legislators and were then invited onto the Senate floor for the proclamation.”

 

For Swiger, it was an important lesson to teach her children as well.

 

“Zeke and Miyah learned a lot that day,” said Swiger.  “They learned the importance of honoring those who were affected by suicides in the last year and the ripple effect those losses can have.  They also learned how to give a voice to issues that they want to support and how that voice can raise awareness and make change happen.”

 

Swiger was humbled to be among those who participated in the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Day at the Capitol and will continue to advocate for those seeking treatment.

 

“Mental health is expensive, hard to find and can take a long time to get services,” said Swiger.  “We have a real need for additional services in West Virginia and we hope to raise awareness of that need to those who can make it happen.”

 

Swiger will also be participating in the upcoming Safe Talk Suicide Prevention training at Bridgeport High School on April 10.

 

“By creating a support system in our schools, our communities, and our local and state government, we hope to provide resources that will decrease the number of shoes displayed on the Capitol steps next year.”