People around the globe are joining together to raise awareness for mental illness by inking their bodies with a special semicolon tattoo.
The idea was born thanks to Project Semicolon, which describes itself as a “faith-based movement dedicated to presenting hope and love for those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury.”
Similarly to what the punctuation mark itself represents, the semicolon tattoo means there's more coming. It's the perseverance of those suffering from mental illness, which affect 1 in 5 adults in the United States.
"Through the semicolon symbol many related to the struggle of depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide and their will to continue on," the website reads.
Green Bay, WI resident Amy Bleuel started the campaign in the spring of 2013 following her father's suicide when she was 18. It quickly gained traction.
“Over the years Project Semicolon has become much more than just one person honoring a parent,” the website reads. “Through musician support and social media, the message of hope and love has reached a big audience in many different countries, more than we could have ever anticipated.”
Many are now sharing their own semicolon tattoos on social media with powerful and heart-wrenching messages.
View some of them below and please SHARE to spread awareness for mental illness!
Amy Bleuel started Project Semicolon in 2013 after losing her father to suicide. Now, people all over the world are sharing photos of their semicolon tattoos.
"You are the author and your life is the sentence- Don't let your sentence end;"
"I could have ended my life, but I chose not to."
"I struggle with depression, suicide ideation and anxiety. My story is not over."
"A sentence, like a life, could end at any moment. Choose to keep the sentence going."
"Don't end the story; throw in a plot twist. Your story isn't over. Mine wasn't, either."
"The sentence is your life and the author is you."
Please SHARE to spread the word!
