by Eden A

TW- mental illness, suicide

The semi-colon isn’t just a punctuation mark, but it marks that the author’s story is not over yet and there is still more to tell. This shows the journey in mental health. It shows mental health awareness and is used as a symbol to represent being a fighter. When someone has or is wearing a symbol of the semi-colon it shows courage to continue their journey with mental health. 

At times, this tattoo especially can be set or gotten to celebrate a milestone for coming so far or surviving a battle with mental illness or a suicide attempt. You will always be the author of your own story and you can be the only one to continue it. 

Relating to the semi-colon the big wave of other people noticing the meaning was due to Amy’s project founded in 2013. Amy’s project was a global movement to provide support and hope to those struggling with mental health due to the challenge of her father committing suicide in 2003. When she got the tattoo, other people noticed and it turned out to be a trend. Anyone could’ve ended their lives right then and there but chose to continue. It was meant to show the message of reaching out for help takes courage and change.