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It lets people know that life, like a sentence, can go on. Similarly, in life, a semicolon tattoo symbolizes an individual’s choice to keep going. In literature, a semicolon symbolizes the continuation of a sentence rather than an ending. Why is a Semicolon a Symbol for Depression? What does a semicolon tattoo mean? Here, we explore its history and how it helps erase stigmas surrounding mental health issues. They can also commemorate memories and loved ones.
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They can represent milestones and achievements.
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Creative semicolon designs make the tattoo more personal by transforming the symbol into hearts, infinity signs, butterflies, dragonflies, and other unique artwork.Project Semicolon is a nonprofit organization designed to support individuals struggling with mental illness or suicidal tendencies.
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For this reason, the semicolon tattoo represents where a life could have ended, but chose to endure and continue.In grammar, instead of choosing to end a sentence with a period, authors use a semicolon to mean a pause before a sentence continues.It is a message of solidarity in the struggle against suicide, addiction, and depression.A semicolon tattoo features the semicolon punctuation mark ( ).Ahead, we rounded up images of some of the best semicolon-tattoo ideas to inspire your next trip to the tattoo parlor. If a semicolon tattoo sounds like something you'd be interested in getting, keep scrolling. It's a mark of victory, hope, courage, and strength." Project Semicolon encourages people to post images of their semicolon tattoos online, and the hashtag #semicolontattoo has over 90,000 posts on Instagram alone, where many people have shared their personal experiences and struggles with mental health.Ĭovarrubias adds, "The semicolon tattoo signifies a person's resiliency to keep going after a life challenge, suicidal ideation, or addiction. The author is you and the sentence is your life." After Bluel lost her father to suicide, she formed the nonprofit organization to raise awareness about mental health. Project Semicolon was founded by Amy Bluel, who said, "A semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. "It's more than just a hashtag trend on Instagram - the semicolon tattoo is a powerful statement in support of those struggling with mental health conditions, substance use, and suicide." "The semicolon tattoo became a trend in 2013 when Project Semicolon started," Covarrubias tells POPSUGAR. A semicolon is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause between two sentences and represents that although the sentence could have been ended, the author chose to continue after a brief respite.Īccording to Jennifer Covarrubias, clinical director of outpatient services at Mental Health Center of San Diego, the semicolon tattoo shares a similar meaning behind it. There are many different inspirational and uplifting tattoo ideas to choose from, but one symbol with a powerful message behind it is the semicolon. Oftentimes there is a larger meaning behind a tattoo and what it symbolizes, and a lot of thought goes into making a decision on the image that will be inked onto your body forever, which is why so many people choose to get tattoos that have significant meaning. Image Source: Getty/Stefania D'Alessandroįor some people, getting a new tattoo is no big deal for others, it requires months of planning.
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