Selena Gomez, a global icon in music and acting, is known for her impactful presence both on and off the screen. Beyond her artistic talents, Selena has also become an advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing her personal journey and using her platform to inspire millions. Among the many facets of her public persona, Selena Gomez’s tattoos have garnered significant attention, each piece telling a subtle yet powerful story. One tattoo, in particular, stands out for its profound meaning and connection to a cause close to her heart: the semicolon tattoo.
This meaningful piece of ink isn’t just a stylish addition to her collection; it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity. Inspired by her involvement as an executive producer of the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” Selena and several cast members chose to get matching semicolon tattoos in April 2017. This act of unity served as a powerful statement about suicide prevention and mental health.
The semicolon itself carries a weighty message, largely thanks to the non-profit organization Project Semicolon. This movement has transformed the semicolon into a symbol of hope for those struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. The punctuation mark represents a point where a sentence could have ended, but the author chose to continue it. In the context of mental health, it’s a metaphor for life – a moment where one might consider ending their story, but chooses to keep going. Project Semicolon’s powerful slogan, “your story is not over,” resonates deeply with this symbolism, reminding individuals that there is always hope for the future, even in the darkest times.
Selena’s decision to get the semicolon tattoo was a deeply personal and purposeful one. Having faced her own battles with anxiety and depression, she understands firsthand the importance of mental health support and open conversations. She has been vocal about the transformative impact of therapy, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), on her life. In an interview with Vogue, Selena emphasized, “DBT has completely changed my life. I wish more people would talk about therapy.” This personal experience fuels her passion for advocating for mental health awareness and encouraging others to seek help when they need it.
In a special episode titled “Beyond The Reasons,” which followed the finale of “13 Reasons Why,” Selena directly addressed viewers, reinforcing the critical message that suicide is never the answer. She passionately stated, “Suicide should never, ever be an option…It’s absolutely treatable. Anxiety is. Depression is. Talk therapy, treatment centers, there’s a million ways that you can find help…There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying that you need help.” She further directed viewers to 13reasonswhy.info, a resource providing access to mental health organizations, underlining the accessibility of support and the importance of seeking it.
While “13 Reasons Why” has faced criticism for its portrayal of sensitive topics, Selena has consistently defended the series for its honest and unflinching approach to the challenges faced by teenagers today. She connected deeply with the story’s raw and emotional narrative, hoping that the show would serve as a catalyst for conversations and encourage viewers to seek help when struggling.
Selena Gomez’s semicolon tattoo, placed discreetly on her wrist, is a constant reminder of this mission. She shared this meaningful experience with Alisha Boe and Tommy Dorfman, fellow advocates from the “13 Reasons Why” cast, and executive producers Joy Gorman Wettels and Kristel Laiblin. This collective action amplified the message of hope and solidarity, demonstrating that support and understanding are vital in the journey towards mental well-being. Selena Gomez’s tattoos, and particularly her semicolon, are more than just body art; they are powerful symbols of her commitment to important causes and her message of hope for her fans and beyond.
