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.
