If You See Someone With a Semicolon Tattoo, Here’s Why It’s So Important

 People often get tattoos that are meaningful to them, using their bodies as a canvas to tell their stories. However, a semicolon tattoo holds its own meaning, one that is powerful and can change lives.

Semicolon Tattoo Trend

Among numerous trends are several confusing or questionable tattoo choices. However, the semicolon tattoo is becoming increasingly popular and holds a powerful meaning. It became popular in 2013 and has since taken off. The semicolon tattoo irepresents mental health struggles, suicide prevention and awareness, and solidarity for those who struggle.

The Tattoo that Inspired a Project

Project Semicolon (tattoo) began on social media in 2013. The creators describe the semicolon tattoo as a “movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. Project Semicolon exists to encourage, love, and inspire.”

The semicolon tattoo has a powerful message and was carefully selected as the symbol of suicide awareness and prevention. “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.” Explained the creators. The movement began as an encouragement for people to draw a semicolon on their bodies. Then they were urged to take a picture and share it on social media. However, it became more popular than anyone imagined. Now, it’s become a popular tattoo choice among those who’ve struggled with mental health. Additionally, it’s popular among those who have loved someone who’s struggled with their mental health. The movement prompted another trend, The Semicolon Tattoo Project, founded by Jenn Brown and Jeremy Jaramillo. They saw an opportunity to help and seized it, helping to eliminate the stigma around mental health disorders.

Mental Illness is Worth Talking About

Mental illness is common and can be caused by numerous things, including a bad day, suffering from the loss of a loved one, a huge life change, or any number of variables that impact daily life. For example, in 2012 more than 43 million Americans reported they suffered from some mental illness or disorder. A fact that makes it even more alarming that people don’t feel comfortable talking about their condition or reaching out for help.

The Semicolon Tattoo Makes a Big Impact

“[The semicolon tattoo] is a conversation starter,” explains Jenn. “People ask what it is, and we get to tell them the purpose.” “I think if you see someone’s tattoo that you’re interested in, that’s fair game to start a conversation with someone you don’t know,” adds Jeremy. “It provides a great opportunity to talk. Tattoos are interesting — marks we put on our bodies that are important to us.” In 2014, the pair held an event to commemorate the Semicolon Tattoo Project. Those in support could go to one of many tattoo shops to get a semicolon tattoo at a flat rate. “That money was a fundraiser for our crisis center,” said Jenn. More than 400 people got semicolon tattoos on the first day and the local event took off globally.