Content Warning: This story contains a discussion of suicidal ideation. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
My first piece of ink was a Suicide Tattoo, though it’s more widely recognized as a symbol of hope and continuation – a semicolon. It began with loss and transformed into a personal commitment to life and mental health advocacy.
When suicide tragically took the life of a dear friend, I noticed a striking tattoo on her sister’s wrist. It was simple, yet profound: a semicolon. Intrigued, I learned it wasn’t just a punctuation mark, but a powerful statement. In literature, a semicolon indicates a point where the author could have ended a sentence, but chose to continue. It represents a pause, not a full stop. This resonated deeply. Her tattoo was a personal reminder to keep going, to choose life, and to inspire others to do the same.
This powerful symbol originated from Project Semicolon, a social media movement that started in 2013 and has since become a global beacon of hope and support. Their mission is clear: to unite society in taking action against suicide and to improve support systems for those affected by suicide.
Driven by a desire to honor my friend and align with Project Semicolon’s vital message, I got my own semicolon suicide tattoo on my wrist. Over the years, this small mark has become a catalyst for meaningful change in my life, allowing me to:
-
Amplify Suicide Prevention Awareness: The semicolon tattoo is undeniably a conversation starter. It opens doors to discuss mental health and suicide prevention organically. I welcome these conversations, eager to share my friend’s story and honor her memory. Contrary to some misconceptions, talking about suicide doesn’t encourage it. Research actually indicates that open conversations can reduce suicide rates by encouraging individuals to seek help and fostering a supportive environment.
-
Combat the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: Mental health stigma is a pervasive issue, varying across cultures, age groups, genders, and communities. My suicide tattoo acts as a subtle rebellion against this stigma. When someone asks about it, I turn the question around, asking, “How are you really feeling today?” This often leads to more genuine and insightful conversations about mental well-being than a casual “How are you?” It encourages open dialogue and normalizes discussions about our emotional states.
-
Reinforce Personal and Collective Resilience: Life inevitably presents challenges. From family and work pressures to health concerns, navigating daily life can feel overwhelming. Personally, I’ve faced moments where life felt insurmountable. In those times of anxiety and despair, my suicide tattoo serves as a tangible reminder that pain is temporary. Just as I’ve overcome past hardships, I possess the strength to navigate current struggles. It’s a visual anchor to hope and inner strength.
When life feels overwhelming, remember that your story is like a sentence in a book. It’s not over yet. There are countless chapters waiting to be written. Choose the semicolon. Choose to continue.
If you are grieving the loss of someone to suicide, I strongly encourage you to explore Project Semicolon. They offer support groups and a community of understanding individuals who can provide solace and shared experience. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available.
