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The Semicolon Tattoo: The Powerful Symbol of Mental Health Struggle and Survival.
The origins of the semicolon tattoo goes back to 2013 when Amy Bleuel, inspired by her own battles with mental illness, and the tragic loss of her father to suicide started the nonprofit organization Project Semicolon.
Since then it has become a powerful and recognizable symbol in the mental health community, representing the struggle, survival, and awareness of mental health issues, addictions, and importantly suicide prevention.
In literature, a semicolon is used to join two related thoughts within a sentence, indicating that the story isn’t over.
For those who bear this tattoo, it represents a similar idea: their life, much like a sentence, is not over. It signifies choosing to continue despite struggles, a powerful affirmation of resilience.
She encouraged others to draw a semicolon on their wrists to show solidarity and support for those struggling with mental health issues.
As the movement grew, people began tattooing the semicolon on their bodies as a permanent reminder of their own struggles, survival, and the choice to continue living.
It is the silent, strong advocate, drawing attention to the importance of mental health care.
The tattoo serves as a conversation starter, allowing people to share their stories and experiences with mental health, breaking down stigmas, and encouraging a sense of community and support.
It has become one way for individuals to reclaim their lives and celebrate their progress in mental health recovery.
The semicolon tattoo is a reminder that their story ain’t over and that they have the strength to face their challenges head-on; a reminder to the ongoing battle against silence.
The silence that leads in all cases to distress and incomprehension.
More people have become aware of depression and mental illness since the disgusting antics of unelected lying bureaucrats, and power drunk politicians during the covid restrictions; but suicide was happening long before covid.
When I heard the news of a workmate found hanging from a tree (another from a beam under his house), my…
