Suicide profoundly impacts individuals and communities, leaving lasting scars on those who have lost loved ones and those who have battled suicidal thoughts themselves. For many, coping with this impact involves finding meaningful ways to remember, heal, and raise awareness. Suicide Awareness Tattoos have emerged as a powerful form of expression, offering a permanent testament to resilience, remembrance, and hope.
People choose to get suicide awareness tattoos for a multitude of deeply personal reasons. These tattoos serve as tributes to those lost to suicide, as visible reminders of personal battles fought and overcome, and as conversation starters to break the stigma surrounding mental health. For some, the ink is a memorial; for others, it’s a badge of survival. For all, it’s a statement.
Isabella S., a contributor to The Mighty, eloquently described her semicolon tattoo, a common symbol in suicide awareness: “I need [my tattoo] as a symbol of what I have already overcome, of the trauma I have begun to heal from. That every single time I have thought my sentence was over, it wasn’t yet. I need this as a beacon of hope, a promise that things will get better.”
In collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve gathered stories behind suicide awareness tattoos. These stories, shared by loss survivors and those with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, reveal the profound impact and personal significance of these inked symbols.
Powerful Stories Behind Suicide Awareness Tattoos
The following stories illustrate the diverse and deeply personal meanings behind suicide awareness tattoos. Each tattoo represents a unique journey of grief, healing, and hope.
1. A Father’s Lasting Love: Gabrielle E.’s Handwritten Message
Gabrielle E. carries a piece of her father’s love with her every day. Shortly after her high school graduation, her father died by suicide. In his last graduation card, he expressed his pride in her. Gabrielle chose to have a portion of that card, his handwriting saying “I love you very much! – Daddy,” tattooed on her arm. This poignant tattoo serves as a constant reminder of her father’s love, transcending his struggles and offering comfort in her daily life.
Tattoo of handwritten message "I love you very much! -Daddy" on a woman's arm.
2. Ladybugs and Semicolons: Susan Pugh T.’s Tribute to Her Husband
For Susan Pugh T., ladybugs became a symbol of connection after losing her husband to suicide. Believing they were visits from him, she incorporated a ladybug into her suicide awareness tattoo. A semicolon with a ladybug as the period adorns her left wrist. This meaningful tattoo honors her husband and acts as a conversation starter for suicide prevention and loss, transforming personal grief into public awareness.
Wrist tattoo featuring a semicolon with a ladybug forming the dot, symbolizing suicide awareness and remembrance.
3. Four Symbols of Hope: Brittany M.’s Multifaceted Tattoo
Brittany M.’s semicolon tattoo is rich with symbolism. After losing a student to suicide and having personally struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, she chose to get inked. Her tattoo combines four powerful symbols: a semicolon for suicide awareness, an infinity sign for life’s continuation, two hearts for love and support, and a butterfly shape representing hope and change. This intricate design embodies a message of resilience and transformation.
Wrist tattoo showing an infinity symbol intertwined with a semicolon in the center, representing hope and suicide awareness.
4. Infinite Story, Colorful Healing: Vicky P.’s Dual Tattoos
Vicky P. chose two tattoos to represent her journey. The word “infinite” serves as a reminder that her story is ongoing. The second tattoo, a mandala, connects to her time in the hospital where coloring mandalas helped her through crises. Having a mandala permanently inked offers a portable coping mechanism, a beautiful reminder of her inner strength and a tool for self-soothing during challenging moments.
Two tattoos on a person. One on the ribcage area reading "infinite" and another on the leg showing a mandala design.
5. An Open Heart for a Mother’s Memory: Kerry V.’s Heartfelt Tribute
Kerry V.’s tattoo is a poignant memorial to her mother, who died by suicide nearly 30 years ago. Incorporating her mother’s favorite color into a heart design, Kerry chose to leave the heart incomplete. This open heart symbolizes the void left by her mother’s passing and represents the enduring impact of grief on her own heart.
Tattoo of a semicolon paired with an open, incomplete heart, symbolizing loss and suicide awareness.
6. More Than Scars: Melissa L.’s Declaration of Self-Worth
Melissa L.’s tattoo is a powerful statement of self-affirmation. Having survived two suicide attempts and years of self-harm and anorexia, she got “I am more than my scars” tattooed directly over her self-harm scars. This tattoo serves as a constant reminder of her resilience and a declaration that her past struggles do not define her identity. It’s a visible testament to healing and self-acceptance.
Tattoo on forearm that reads "I am more than my scars," placed over self-harm scars, signifying survival and self-worth.
7. A Family’s Semicolon: Angelica W.’s Brother’s Enduring Story
Angelica W. and her family chose matching semicolon tattoos to honor her younger brother, lost to suicide due to bullying. The semicolon, combined with a heart, represents that his story continues within their hearts. This family tattoo is a unified symbol of remembrance and a powerful stand against bullying, transforming personal tragedy into advocacy and awareness.
Tattoo of a semicolon with a heart incorporated into the design, representing family unity and remembrance of a loved one lost to suicide.
8. Conquering the Hulk Within: Liz C.’s Scar Cover-Up
Liz C. uses a Hulk tattoo as a scar cover-up and a metaphor for her depression. Viewing her depression as an internal “Hulk” she battles daily, the tattoo visually represents her ongoing struggle and her strength in facing it. This creative and symbolic tattoo personalizes the experience of mental health challenges and reclaims her body with a message of resilience.
Tattoo of the Hulk character, used as a scar cover-up and a symbol for overcoming depression.
9. Hailee’s Law: Jason L.’s Chest Tattoo for His Daughter
Jason L.’s chest tattoo is a powerful tribute to his daughter, Hailee Joy Lamberth, who died by suicide after being bullied. Driven by grief and a desire for change, Jason advocated for anti-bullying legislation. His tattoo serves as a constant reminder of Hailee and his ongoing advocacy, resulting in “Hailee’s Law” in Nevada, a testament to turning personal loss into impactful action.
Chest tattoo, details are not fully visible, but it represents a tribute to Jason L.'s daughter and his advocacy against bullying.
10. Still I Rise: Danielle F.’s Birds for Remembrance and Resilience
Danielle F.’s tattoo of birds embodies remembrance and resilience. One bird represents her cousin Monica, lost to suicide, a shocking loss that deeply impacted her family. Paired with the Maya Angelou quote “Still I Rise,” the tattoo is a dual message of honoring her cousin’s memory and a personal affirmation of strength and the ability to overcome any challenge.
Tattoo of a tree branch with birds flying away, accompanied by the quote "Still I Rise," representing hope and remembrance.
Choosing Your Suicide Awareness Tattoo: Ink with Intention
Deciding to get a suicide awareness tattoo is a deeply personal step. When considering your own tattoo, reflect on what you want it to represent. Will it be a memorial to a loved one, a marker of your own journey, or a symbol of hope for the future?
Consider these elements when choosing your design:
- Symbolism: Semicolons, butterflies, quotes, meaningful objects, or personal symbols all carry weight. Research different symbols and choose one that resonates with your story.
- Personal Meaning: The most powerful tattoos are deeply personal. Incorporate elements that represent your loved one or your own experience – a favorite flower, a meaningful quote, handwriting, or a unique design.
- Placement: Consider visibility and personal preference. Some choose visible placements to spark conversations, while others prefer more private locations for personal reflection.
- Artist Selection: Find an artist who understands the significance of your tattoo and can execute your vision with care and respect.
Ultimately, a suicide awareness tattoo is a deeply personal expression. It is a permanent reminder of a complex journey, a tribute to those loved and lost, and a beacon of hope for yourself and others.
Conclusion: Wearing Your Story, Sharing the Message
Suicide awareness tattoos are more than just ink; they are stories etched onto skin. They represent love, loss, resilience, and hope. These tattoos serve as personal anchors, conversation starters, and powerful tools for raising awareness about suicide and mental health.
By sharing these stories, we aim to destigmatize conversations around suicide and mental health and to offer connection and support to those who have been affected. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. Resources are available, and hope is always possible.
If you have a suicide awareness tattoo and would like to share your story, consider connecting with organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or sharing your story on platforms like The Mighty. Your story can make a difference.
