Global Semicolon Tattoo Trend Is A Sign Of Strength Among Faithful Individuals Dealing With Mental Health Problems

Some have more significance than others, but the meaning behind the recent trend of semicolon tattoos is ever-important and heartfelt.

The trend of semicolon tattoos was started by Project Semicolon, which describes itself as "a faith-based non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury." As to the significance of the symbol itself, the organization writes on its website, "a semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life;" thus, in the case of these tattoos, it is a physical representation of personal strength in the face of internal struggle.

Though a Christian organization, Project Semicolon is quick to clarify that they do not exclude those who follow any other beliefs or religions. Founder Amy Bleuel got a semicolon tattoo in honor of her father, who lost his life to suicide when Amy was 18.

Now, two years after the movement formally began, the tattoos are popping up all over the place.

In a blog post, Bleuel says that her father's death "brought more pain to [her] life than anything [she] had ever experienced." In light of her own struggles, those of her father, and the tremendous pain she felt as a family member of someone who took his own life, Amy set out to provide support and guidance to others dealing with similar issues.

The movement meant enough to Heather Parrie that she got a semicolon tattooed on her forearm, and wrote a blog post about her own personal struggles with mental wellness.

In the post, Heather explains her diagnosis of "depression and anxiety," and describes having to leave a job she loved because her mental health problems inhibited her work performance. Still fighting these battles, but continuing on each day, Heather writes:

I will show my tattoo proudly and champion for the people who cannot champion for themselves. Every day that I say no to the dark thoughts depression tries to tangle my mind with, I am winning a battle that society has not made easy to win.

Today, the movement continues to grow and will hopefully continue to raise awareness about these issues.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/07/project-semicolon-tattoos_n_7745358.html

Here's the Beautiful Reason People Are Getting Tattoos of Semicolons

Amy Bleul founded the campaign in 2013 in tribute to her late father, who took his own life. She chose the semicolon for its symbolism.

"A semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life," the website reads.

While the organization is faith-based, the website also stresses that participants do not need to be of any denomination — all beliefs and religions are welcome. The vision of the movement is to inspire hope and spread the word that there's always a reason to go on.

The movement has gone viral in recent weeks, with many people showing solidarity with others struggling with mental health issues and celebrating the road to recovery and the determination to keep moving forward no matter what.
Source: www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/news/a42920/semicolon-tattoos/

Here’s The Heartwarming Reason People Are Getting Semicolon Tattoos

It’s difficult to see the battles we fight inside ourselves everyday, and yet these feel like the hardest to win. Now, people are using semicolon tattoos as an external reminder of an internal triumph over mental health issues.

It’s part of a movement called Project Semicolon, which describes itself as “a faith-based non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury.” Those who have struggled with mental illness, or know someone who is, are encouraged to get a tattoo or drawing of the semicolon as a sign of solidarity.

Why the semicolon? “A semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to,” the site said, “The sentence is your life and the author is you.”

The movement started with Amy Bleuel, who founded Project Semicolon in 2013 after her father died by suicide ten years earlier:

Now, the movement has inspired people from all over the world. Many have taken to social media to share their pictures — and their stories:

“Project Semicolon is honored to be a part of those continuing stories, and to be an inspiration to those who are struggling,” their site said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or visit HalfOfUs.com.
Source: www.mtv.com/news/2204380/project-semicolon-tattoo/

Movement for Wellness. Never end the sentence.