*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.
The first piece of ink I ever decided to get permanently etched onto my skin was a semicolon. It’s a simple punctuation mark, yet it carries a weight of meaning far beyond its grammatical function. My journey to getting this tattoo began with loss, specifically the devastating loss of a friend to suicide. In the aftermath, observing my friend’s sister and her semicolon tattoo became a pivotal moment in my understanding of grief and hope.
When I inquired about the tattoo’s significance, she offered a poignant explanation rooted in literary punctuation. A semicolon, she described, is used when a writer could have ended a sentence with a period, but consciously chose to continue. It’s a pause, not a full stop. For her, this tattoo was a personal emblem – a reminder to herself to keep going even when life felt like a sentence she wanted to end. More than that, she hoped it would serve as a quiet beacon, encouraging others to choose to continue their stories as well.
This powerful concept, she shared, originated from Project Semicolon, a social media movement that began in 2013. It has since evolved into a global non-profit dedicated to suicide prevention. Project Semicolon’s mission is profound: to unite all facets of society in proactive efforts to reduce suicide rates and enhance support systems for those impacted by suicide. Learning about Project Semicolon resonated deeply as I sought a way to honor my friend’s memory and contribute to a cause that felt profoundly important. This led me to get my own semicolon tattoo on my wrist.
In the years since, this small tattoo has become a powerful catalyst in my life, serving several key purposes:
The Meaning Behind the Semicolon Tattoo in Suicide Prevention
1. Raising Suicide Prevention Awareness
My semicolon tattoo is undeniably a conversation starter. It acts as an immediate visual cue, prompting questions and opening doors for crucial dialogues about mental health and suicide prevention. I welcome these conversations, seeing them as opportunities to speak about my friend and honor her life. There’s a misconception that discussing suicide might plant the idea in someone’s mind, but research indicates the opposite is true. Openly talking about suicide can actually reduce rates by encouraging individuals to seek help and breaking down the silence that often surrounds mental health struggles.
2. Ending the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Mental health stigma is a pervasive issue, varying significantly across cultures, age groups, genders, races, and geographic locations. This stigma often prevents people from seeking help when they need it most. My tattoo acts as a subtle rebellion against this silence. When someone inquires about it, I often redirect the conversation by asking them, “How are you really doing? What are you feeling today?” This question often bypasses the automatic “fine” or “OK” and allows for a more genuine and meaningful exchange about mental well-being. It’s a small way to normalize talking about our inner lives and emotions.
3. Reminding Ourselves and Others of Inner Strength
Life, in its complexity, can be incredibly challenging. Navigating family, friendships, careers, and personal health can feel overwhelming at times. Personally, I’ve experienced moments where life felt like an unbearable weight. In those periods of intense anxiety and depression, my semicolon tattoo serves as a tangible reminder: pain is temporary. Just as I’ve navigated difficult times before, I possess the inner resilience to overcome the present challenges. It’s a visual anchor, grounding me in the knowledge of my own strength and the impermanence of suffering.
Wrist with semicolon tattoo symbolizing hope and mental health awareness
When life feels overwhelming, I encourage you to view your life as a sentence in progress. Your story isn’t finished. There are countless chapters yet to be written. Choose the semicolon. Choose to continue.
If you have experienced the loss of someone to suicide, I urge you to explore Project Semicolon, consider joining their support networks, and find a community of individuals who understand your grief. Always remember, there is always someone who wants to help. Choosing to reach out is a sign of strength, and the semicolon is a powerful symbol of that choice.
