Selena Gomez, a celebrated figure in pop culture, is known not only for her musical and acting talents but also for her openness about personal struggles. Among her body art, one tattoo stands out for its profound meaning and public visibility: the semicolon tattoo. This small yet powerful piece of ink on her wrist is more than just a design; it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity with those facing mental health challenges. While fans often speculate about celebrity tattoos and their connections to personal relationships, including past ones like with Justin Bieber, Selena’s semicolon tattoo carries a message that transcends romantic associations, focusing instead on inner strength and community support.
In April 2017, Selena Gomez, along with the cast of the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” got matching semicolon tattoos. Selena served as an executive producer for this impactful show, which delves into the sensitive topic of teenage suicide. Based on the novel “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher, the series tells the story of Hannah Baker, a high school student who tragically takes her own life, leaving behind tapes for those she felt contributed to her despair.
The semicolon symbol itself has become deeply associated with suicide prevention, largely due to the work of the non-profit organization Project Semicolon. This organization chose the semicolon to represent a point in a sentence where the author could have chosen to end it, but didn’t. It serves as a powerful metaphor for life – a life that could have ended but continues on. Project Semicolon describes itself as a movement dedicated to offering hope and love to individuals struggling with mental illness, suicidal thoughts, addiction, and self-harm. Their empowering slogan, “your story is not over,” resonates with millions around the world.
Selena’s tattoo is a visible declaration of support for this cause. It’s a way of letting those who are struggling know they are not alone and that their stories can continue beyond moments of darkness. Selena herself has been vocal about her personal battles with anxiety and depression, sharing her firsthand understanding that mental health can improve with help and support. She is a strong advocate for therapy, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which she credits with significantly improving her life. In an interview with Vogue, Selena emphasized the importance of seeking help, stating, “DBT has completely changed my life. I wish more people would talk about therapy.”
Further demonstrating her commitment to mental health awareness, Selena participated in a special episode titled “Beyond The Reasons,” which followed the “13 Reasons Why” finale. In this episode, she directly addressed viewers, urging them to seek help instead of considering suicide as an option. She stressed that “Suicide should never, ever be an option…It’s absolutely treatable. Anxiety is. Depression is.” She further highlighted the availability of various resources, including talk therapy and treatment centers, and directed viewers to 13reasonswhy.info for local support organizations.
While “13 Reasons Why” faced some criticism for its portrayal of suicide, Selena defended the series for its raw and honest depiction of the challenges faced by teenagers. She expressed that she was immediately drawn to the “tragically beautiful” narrative and hoped the show would encourage people to seek the help they need.
Selena’s decision to get the semicolon tattoo was shared with Alisha Boe and Tommy Dorfman, her colleagues from “13 Reasons Why.” They had already planned to get semicolon tattoos, and Selena joined them in this meaningful act of solidarity. Two other executive producers of the show, Joy Gorman Wettels and Kristel Laiblin, had also received semicolon tattoos the week prior, highlighting the collective commitment of the team to the message of hope and mental health awareness.
Selena Gomez’s semicolon tattoo is a powerful reminder that even small symbols can carry significant weight. It’s a testament to her advocacy for mental health, her empathy for those struggling, and her understanding of the importance of hope and resilience. While the public may continue to be fascinated by celebrity relationships and speculate about tattoos in that context, Selena’s semicolon tattoo stands as a beacon of strength and support, independent of any romantic narrative.
