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The Semicolon Tattoo

Project Semicolon was started by Amy Bleuel in 2013 as a way to inspire those going through depression, thoughts of suicide, or self-harm to share their story and to help show them that they are not alone.Project Semicolon – stylized as Project ; – is an American nonprofit organization known for its advocacy of mental health wellness and its focus as an anti-suicide initiative. Founded in 2013, the movement's aim is "presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury".They are known for encouraging people to tattoo the punctuation mark semicolon (;) as a form of solidarity between people dealing with mental illness or the death of someone from suicide. Bleuel lived in Wisconsin. After her parents divorced, Bleuel chose to live with her father and his second wife at the age of six. Since then, Bleuel endured being physically abused by her stepmother. At the age of eight, she was taken into state custody by a child protective service. Bleuel began self-harming and attempting to kill herself after she had been sexually abused at the age of 10, and raped at 13. At the age of 18, Bleuel's father died from suicide, and she was subsequently released from the system. In her early years in college, Bleuel was raped twice and suffered a miscarriage.Bleuel suffered from alcoholism at the age of 30 and had five major suicidal attempts. Bleuel died on March 23, 2017, aged 31; the cause of death was ruled as suicide. She was romantically involved with her partner David. The movement became prominent in early July 2015. People have started uploading photos of their own semicolon tattoos through social media to support the movement, gaining attention from a variety of mainstream news outlets.

By LiliesPublished 3 years ago 10 min read
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Semicolon Butterfly Tattoo

Because they turn from a caterpillar into a beautiful winged insect, butterflies often represent transformation when it comes to tattoos.

Butterfly symbolism works as a representation of resurrection, change, renewal, hope, endurance, and courage to embrace the transformation to make life better.The meaning of butterfly colors is joy and light, so you must make this your driving force.Several feminine butterfly tattoos also often feature elegant patterns, flowers, and birds to represent change, freedom, the joy of being alive.Butterflies are a symbol of change, beauty, and freedom. Women particularly choose the butterfly tattoo as a representation of the period of renewal and transformation happening in their lives. 

Semicolon Heart Tattoo

 Hearts are a well-known symbol of love. When combined with the semicolon, this piece of body art reminds the wearer to love themselves.

This ink can be a fantastic way to honor the passing of a loved one or serve as a reminder of heartbreak or personal loss. A tribute to their romantic partner or family and friends.

Semicolon Cross Tattoo

Christian survivors of suicide, depression, and mental illness often choose to work the symbol of the cross into their semicolon tattoo.When combined with the semicolon, it often represents how their religion healed them and helped them through dark moments.

Cat Semicolon Tattoo

 They can also represent luck, mystery, independence, transformation and a wandering spirit. For these reasons, cats are often combined with a semicolon tattoo.Cats and spirituality have a close connection.The cat tattoo is a symbol for femininity, sensuality; it represents luck, mostly it’s paw, life after death, and mystery

Semicolon Dragonfly Tattoo

This creature is a very positive symbol; it’s all about embracing change and finding inner strength, joy, and bravery.  Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization.A dragonfly is a symbol of change, transformation and self-realization. It teaches us to love life, to rejoice and have faith even amidst difficulties. So, dragonfly meaning is no doubt significant.A dragonfly is a symbol of change, transformation and self-realization. It teaches us to love life, to rejoice and have faith even amidst difficulties.

Semicolon Birds Tattoo

That is because birds represent total freedom as they can swim, walk and fly. Birds also have a spiritual meaning, with some cultures considering them messengers between heaven and Earth. A  specific birds carry different meanings: doves are a symbol of hope, while swallows are signs of safety and are said to guide lost souls. The phoenix represents resurrection and ‘rising from the ashes’. 

Wrist Tattoo

Another reason is that the tattoo covers and over-writes scars on the wrist or arm. The inking becomes a powerful reminder that the wearer has overcome self-harm. 

Tattoo on the Finger

Fingers are also considered to be the ideal placement for tattoos of commitment and the things about which we are most passionate.

Tattoo Behind the Ear

Because the area behind your ear is small, it’s perfect for a subtle design like a semicolon.So the semicolon design is also an excellent choice for this placement because it’s quick to draw.

Watercolour Semicolon Tattoo

The watercolor tattoo technique is beautiful. It mimics the look of watercolor painting, which uses water to thin out pigment instead of oil. The fluid, freeform, and colorful finish of a watercolor tattoo provides a great contrast to a neat black-ink semicolon. 

Flowers

Flowers themselves have symbolic meaning, so if you choose to add a flower to your semicolon tattoo, you could match that flower to the meaning you want to convey.

Love with Semicolon

One popular tattoo that supports the idea of moving forward from depression and continuing to show yourself compassion is a tattoo of the word "love."

 The combination of the word "love" with the semicolon will once again serve as a reminder that self-compassion and perseverance are most important.

Hope Tattoo

Nautical star

A nautical star is a tattoo that best symbolizes hope and represents the idea that every journey must have its end. Nautical stars are often paired with anchor tattoos, both of them representing hope

A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;) used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.

Symbols of hope are all around

Bird of Hope: Dove.

Animal of Hope: Dog.

Number of Hope: Four.

Flowers of Hope: Sunflowers, Daffodils, Cactus Flowers.

Colors of Hope: Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green, Red.

Aromas of Hope: Peppermint, Lavender.

Sounds of Hope: Ocean Waves, Wind Chimes, Waterfalls

Believe tattoo meaning

This is a daily reminder to never stop believing in yourself no matter what happens. It is a sign of hope and a deep love for yourself and others. This is another tattoo that looks great just about anywhere you fit it. It is also such a simple design that it can be illustrated however big or small you would like.For anyone with strong spiritual beliefs, a believe tattoo could also be a reminder of the need to stay strong in one's beliefs and to pause and ask for guidance when feeling lost.Believe tattoo becomes a strong symbol of the need for those with depression to hang on through the dark times and to believe that there is light on the other side.

Breathe Tattoo

The just breathe tattoo is a tattoo that has been becoming more popular with the universal acceptance of mental illness being a real issue in the world. ... The just breathe tattoo is a reminder to slow down and take a breath when things feel like they're spinning out of control.

Semicolon with Musical Note

Project Semicolon aims to encourage and support those struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-harm. Shannon Crim-Mosey. tattoo.Music can have a powerful influence on your mood. Another depression tattoo option would be to pair a musical note with the semicolon so that it looks like one image. 

Semicolon with Paw Print

 An emotional support animal, this is a pet who is designated as necessary for your emotional well-being, and is given certain privileges, such as the right an emotional support animal, this is a pet who is designated as necessary for your emotional well-being, 

Semicolon with Cross

Cross tattoos are fairly popular on their own, but when combined with the semicolon they take on a whole new meaning. In fact, if you already happen to have a cross tattoo and are living with depression, you could consider adding a semicolon to part of the design.

                                     Positivity Symbols for Tattoos

Hearts and banners: These tattoos have become a fashion staple, but they actually stem from sailors to mark their achievements at sea. These days, hearts often demonstrate personal relationships and usually have names at their centers. 

Swallow: Sailors were often inked with swallows to symbolize their travel miles: each time they hit a new milestone, they received a new swallow. Nowadays, swallows and other birds symbolize freedom and an affinity to nature. 

Lotus: The lotus has been a powerful, positive symbol for centuries. In Buddhist, Hindu and Egyptian religions, it is considered a sacred flower representing divine birth, creation and spiritual development. The lotus itself rises from unclean water and blossoms as a pure and beautiful flower, so it is a great symbol of persistence and growth. 

Semicolon: The semicolon is often displayed to represent life after a suicide attempt; that one’s story isn’t over yet. This symbol can be a powerful positive reminder to anyone living with a mental illness of the struggles they have overcome. 

Lyrics and quotes: It’s become custom to have inspiring lyrics and quotes tattooed on different parts of the body. These quotes may remind you of your favorite song, send a positive message, or help you make sense of a painful situation.

Short Inspirational Tattoo Quotes Ideas Positive Mental Health Quotes

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman

“Take your time healing, as long as you want. Nobody else knows what you’ve been through. How could they know how long it will take to heal you?” — Abertoli

“One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart.” — Linda Poindexter

“Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think, I’m not going to make it, but you laugh inside — remembering all the times you’ve felt that way.” — Charles Bukowski

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” — John Green

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Kahlil Gibran

“Recovery is not one and done. It is a lifelong journey that takes place one day, one step at a time.” — Unknown

“Self-care is how you take your power back.” — Lalah Delia

“Let your story go. Allow yourself to be present with who you are right now.” – Russ Kyle

“My dark days made me strong. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it.” — Emery Lord

“You can’t control everything. Sometimes you just need to relax and have faith that things will work out. Let go a little and just let life happen.” — Kody Keplinger

“Your illness is not your identity. Your chemistry is not your character.” — Rick Warren

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore

“Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden away and never spoken about. There is truth in your pain, there is growth in your pain, but only if it’s first brought out into the open.” — Steven Aitchison

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha

 “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in” ― Leonard Cohen

“It’s not just people who can’t find a job, or can’t fit in in society that struggle with depression sometimes.” — Jared Padalecki

“It’s the eating disorder recovery symbol.” — Brooke Ainsley

“‘Stars can’t shine without the darkness.’ Even when things in my head aren’t OK, it won’t be dark for long because I’m a shining star in my own right.” — Erica Marie

. “I’ll never give up, I’m a fighter.” — Jenna Pleasants

“This is the tattoo I’m proudest of.” — Kris Lindsey

“Pi, a mathematical constant, reminds me that even when my world feels like it’s falling apart, there’s still a constant in the world. The semicolon reminds me I need to keep going even when I don’t feel like I can or don’t want to. A Bible verse reminds me of the big picture I sometimes fail to see when I’m depressed.” — Julianne Leow

“Ataraxia — it means ‘tranquility of the mind.‘” — Jacklyn Ashley

“Covering a scar. My reminder that no matter how deep the depression gets, I have reasons for my heart to keep beating” — Courtney Bowles

“The bottom tattoo is for eating disorder recovery. I survived anorexia when I was 14. The top tattoo is for my struggle and recovery from postpartum mental illness. It tried to take my life, but I’m still here and now I’m full of joy and thriving!” — Alicia Nelsen

“In Harry Potter, the spell ‘riddikulus’ is used to ward off a bogart (bogarts take the shape of your greatest fear. They live in closets and under the bed for example). I got this to remind myself my anxiety isn't going to beat me. My anxiety attacks will pass. Sometimes I just need a little magic to keep those inner demons at bay.” — Nicole Ricketts

“I have post-traumatic stress disorder, severe general and social anxiety disorders and chronic severe depression. I also have a brain injury. The trauma started at 7 and went until I was 33. I have this to remind me that my heart is still beating and my stars light my way. I’m never without love, even alone.” — Kimberlea Halliwell

 “My husband got this tattoo for me to show his support for my mental illness. I have bipolar 2, generalized and social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.” — Jennifer Rushton

 “A reminder to love yourself as much as you love others.” — Tiffany Davidson

“I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression. This tattoo represents the song ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley. It helps put life into perspective.” — Sarah Gilbert

 “This hummingbird was tattooed shortly after three months of hospitalization for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. It reminds me that it’s OK to fly. (And this is my PTSD service dog I received shortly after!)” — Kerri Symes

“My husband’s bipolar tattoo.” — Alicia Branley

. “A line from the ‘Firefly’ theme song, reminding me that ‘they’ (bipolar, anxiety, etc.) cannot keep me forever and one day I will be free to fly.” — Kal Gibbs Winters

 “My sister and I got matching tattoos last year – a combination of a semicolon and a butterfly with our fingerprints as the wings, representing both of our struggles with depression as well as many people we both know who have various mental health problems.” — Rachel Dillon

. “It says strength from one direction; when you look at it upside down it says serenity.” — Becky Brainard

“This one is a quote by Barbara J Winter: ‘When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught how to fly.’ ” — Jesus Arroyo

“I’ve always been drawn to butterflies. And when I was going through difficult times, my mom reminder me of ‘the butterfly effect’ — one flap make a huge difference. My mantra became ‘flap flap.'” –Shelley Field

“Twenty years ago I was diagnosed with major depression. In honor of that anniversary, I got my first tattoo. H.O.P.E. stands for: Hold On Pain Ends. The semicolon means my story is not over.” — Kristin Lynn

 “I had postpartum anxiety and OCD after my son, and after overcoming it I got this tattoo in honor of the semicolon project! That I chose to continue my sentence instead of end it.” — Ethan Lexie Clouse

“Recurrent major depression and anxiety. I got this after my first hospitalization. It’s my way of owning it rather than feeling shame.” — Tasha Moreno

“My phoenix feather rising from the ashes.” — Siân Couch

“‘Stay strong beautiful, things will get better. It may be stormy now but it can’t rain forever.'” — Beth Ann Bake

 “Expecto Patronium”  Expecto Patronum, the spell that conjured up Harry's magnificent stag Patronus, roughly translates into 'I expect (or await) a guardian' in Latin, which is apt. ... In Ancient Rome, the word 'patronus' meant protector, too, but with very different connotations

fight always . This bold tattoo is a reminder to never give up.

selfcare
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About the Creator

Lilies

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