Selena Gomez, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for her roles in television and music, has consistently used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. Among her impactful actions is her semicolon tattoo, a small yet profound symbol that carries a powerful message of hope and resilience. This tattoo, obtained in April 2017 with the cast of the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” serves as a permanent reminder of the importance of mental health support and suicide prevention.
The semicolon (;) is more than just a punctuation mark; it has become a symbol of hope for individuals struggling with mental health challenges, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. This symbolic meaning is largely attributed to the non-profit organization Project Semicolon. They chose the semicolon to represent a moment when a sentence could have ended, but the author chose to continue it. In the context of mental health, it signifies that life could have ended but didn’t, offering a message of hope and continuation for those facing difficult times. Project Semicolon’s core message, “your story is not over,” resonates deeply with individuals navigating mental health journeys, reminding them that brighter days are possible.
Selena Gomez’s decision to get this tattoo was a conscious act of solidarity and support. As an executive producer of “13 Reasons Why,” a series that explores the sensitive and critical topics of teenage suicide and mental health, Selena deeply connected with the show’s message. Her own experiences with anxiety and depression further fueled her commitment to raising awareness. Selena has openly spoken about the transformative impact of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on her life, encouraging others to seek therapy without stigma. In a “Beyond The Reasons” special, she emphasized that “Suicide should never, ever be an option,” advocating for treatment and help-seeking behaviors. Her transparency about her mental health journey and her advocacy for therapy demonstrate her commitment to breaking down stigmas and encouraging open conversations.
The “13 Reasons Why” series, while praised for tackling difficult subjects, also faced criticism for its portrayal of suicide. Despite the controversies, Selena defended the show’s honest approach to the challenges faced by teenagers. She saw the “tragically beautiful” story as a catalyst for important conversations and a means to direct people towards available resources and support systems. The semicolon tattoo, in this context, becomes even more poignant, representing the continuation of the narrative beyond the struggles, urging viewers and those facing similar battles to seek help and find their own continuation.
Selena was joined by Alisha Boe and Tommy Dorfman, fellow cast members from “13 Reasons Why,” in getting the semicolon tattoos. This shared experience strengthened their bond and amplified the message of unity and support. Executive producers Joy Gorman Wettels and Kristel Laiblin had also previously gotten semicolon tattoos, highlighting the collective dedication of the “13 Reasons Why” team to this cause. Selena Gomez’s semicolon tattoo, therefore, is not just a personal statement but also a symbol of a larger movement advocating for mental health awareness, hope, and the crucial message that your story is not over. It’s a reminder, etched in ink, that help is available and that there is always hope for continuation and healing.
