The #semicolon tattoo

Have you seen anyone with a tattoo like this?

Did you ask them what it meant?

I am moved to share this information.

In 2012, over 43 million Americans dealt with some form of mental illness. Mental illness is not uncommon, yet there is a stigma around it that prevents a lot of people from talking about it.
More conversations that lead to less stigma? Yes please.
"The semicolon tattoo is a conversation starter," People ask what it is and we get to tell them the purpose."
"I think if you see someone's tattoo that you're interested in, that's fair game to start a conversation with someone you don't know," It provides a great opportunity to talk. Tattoos are interesting marks we put on our bodies that are important to us."
Why the semicolon? It wasn't because someone is a grammar nerd, it wasn't because it was a simple design but rather because it signifies a sentence the author, YOU, could have ended but chose not to. The sentence is your life.
This mark represents mental health struggles and the importance of suicide prevention.

Project Semicolon was born from a social media movement in 2013.

They describe themselves as a "movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. Project Semicolon exists to encourage, love, and inspire."
Originally created as a day where people were encouraged to draw a semicolon on their bodies and photograph it, it quickly grew into something greater and more permanent. Today, people all over the world are tattooing the mark as a reminder of their struggle, victory, and survival.

And it's not just about the conversation — it's about providing tangible support and help too.

Jenn and Jeremy work with the Agora Crisis Center. Founded in 1970, it's one of the oldest crisis centers in the country. Through The Semicolon Tattoo Project, they've been able to connect even more people with the help they need during times of crisis.

So next time you see this small punctuation tattoo, remember the words of Upworthy writer Parker Molloy:

"I recently decided to get a semicolon tattoo. Not because it's trendy (though, it certainly seems to be at the moment), but because it's a reminder of the things I've overcome in my life. I've dealt with anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria for the better part of my life, and at times, that led me down a path that included self-harm and suicide attempts.
But here I am, years later, finally fitting the pieces of my life together in a way I never thought they could before. The semicolon (and the message that goes along with it) is a reminder that I've faced dark times, but I'm still here."

No matter how we get there, the end result is so important: help and support for more people to also be able to say " I'm still here."

Check out these valuable resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  ::  1.800.273.TALK (273-8255)

National Child Abuse Hotline  ::  1.800.4.A.CHILD (422-4453)

National Domestic Violence Hotline  ::  1.800.799.SAFE (799-7233)

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)  ::  1.800.656.HOPE (656-4673)

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ)  ::  1.866.4.U.TREVOR (488-7386)

National Eating Disorder Association  ::  1.800.931.2237