People get semicolon tattoos to represent their own struggles with—and victories over, ongoing as they can be—suicide, or to express solidarity for those suffering with mental health issues.

What does the semicolon tattoo symbolize?

But to thousands affected by suicide, the semicolon has become an important signifier of survival. Thanks to Amy Bleuel, the often misunderstood symbol has morphed from a simple punctuation mark to a badge of pride for those who struggle with depression, suicide, addiction, anxiety, and self-injury.

Why is semicolon a symbol for suicide?

The Semicolon Project was created by American Amy Bleuel in 2013, after she lost her father to suicide. The semicolon is a metaphor for suicide prevention. Instead of ending a sentence, a writer can use a semicolon to continue on, and so too can an individual choose not to end his or her life, but continue on living.

What is the tattoo symbol for depression?

Heart with Semicolon

This is a simple but elegant tattoo that makes a statement about depression and would serve as a reminder to love yourself and keep going. Other options might be to have a small heart beside a semicolon or to make the dotted part of the semicolon a heart itself.

Why does Selena Gomez have a semicolon tattoo?

Their matching semicolons represent mental health awareness and suicide prevention. , thoughts of suicide, addiction, and self-injury," Boe wrote on Instagram. Amy Bleuel, whom Boe referenced in her caption, was the mental-health activist who started the mental-health non-profit Project Semicolon.

Semicolon tattoos: Inking against stigma

Is there a symbol for mental health?

The green ribbon is the international symbol for mental health awareness. Wear a green ribbon to show colleagues, loved ones or simply those you walk past that you care about their mental health. It can also be worn in memory of a loved one.

Do tattoos help with depression?

However, 27% of the sample had tattoos and/or piercings without a history of self-injury and this subgroup had more positive feelings towards their bodies, higher levels of self-esteem, and less impulsivity, depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction than those with a history of self-injury.

What does it mean if you put a semicolon on your wrist?

People get semicolon tattoos to represent their own struggles with—and victories over, ongoing as they can be—suicide, or to express solidarity for those suffering with mental health issues.

Is it okay to get a semi colon tattoo?

While you don't have to get a semicolon tattoo because of its meaning, having one most likely means you'll be associated with it. That's why those who get the tattoo usually do so to honor someone—whether that's a friend, a relative, or yourself—or to raise awareness of mental illness, suicide, addiction, or self-harm.

What does the semicolon mean in depression?

In a literary sense, the semicolon represents a decision by an author to continue a sentence, rather than ending it. In life, it symbolizes a choice to keep going rather than stop, which is particularly poignant for people battling suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and depression.

Is a semicolon tattoo good?

The tattoo is believed to be a permanent motivation and a reminder that you're a survivor, and that you shouldn't be so hard on yourself all the time. The meaning behind the semicolon tattoo is beautiful; it shows that even when you think your life is ending, by adding a semicolon, it is really only continuing.

Can you get a semicolon tattoo for anxiety?

Non-profit mental health organisation, The Semicolon Project, is encouraging anyone who has been through depression, anxiety or had suicidal thoughts to draw a semicolon on their wrists. Whilst some have drawn it on, or opted for a temporary tattoo, other have committed and had it tattooed on themselves.

What does psychology say about tattoos?

They have found that individuals with tattoos report that they feel more attractive, stronger and more self-confident—having overcome the fear of pain. [ii] For some, tattoos seem to go deeper than just underneath the skin, creating a deep personal change, which makes him or her mentally stronger.

Can a tattoo change your personality?

The researchers in this study concluded that not only do those with tattoos have higher levels of need for uniqueness, sensation seeking, and thrill and adventure seeking, but they have lower levels of self-esteem, attend religious services less, and are generally much less educated than individuals who did not have ...

Do tattoos indicate mental illness?

Psychiatric disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, drug or alcohol abuse and borderline personality disorder, are frequently associated with tattoos. Finding a tattoo on physical examination should alert the physician to the possibility of an underlying psychiatric condition.

What is the tattoo symbol for mental illness?

In recent years, the semicolon has become a beloved tattoo choice for those who have encountered mental health struggles. This piece can be your reminder that you'll always show up for yourself even when it's easier to give up.

Is there a symbol for bipolar?

Wear a ribbon

The ribbon to raise awareness for bipolar disorder is black-and-white striped. This represents the episodes of depression and mania that can be part of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder might sometimes also be represented by a green ribbon.

Why can't people with tattoos donate blood?

Health concerns about tattoos are growing. A large number of potential blood donors are being turned away by blood banks in the city for a strange reason - if they have got themselves tattooed or pierced recently. This is because blood donated by such people carries the risk of being infected.

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.

Can people with tattoos donate blood?

If you have recently gotten a tattoo, you are required to delay donating blood for at least 6 months. In between this period, you will not be eligible for blood donation.

Who is allowed to get a semicolon tattoo?

You may need permission: If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian's permission to get the tattoo. Be ready to share: A semicolon tattoo symbolizes your battle with depression, suicide, or mental health illness. People might ask, so make sure you're ready to share your story.

Where should a semicolon tattoo be placed?

Usually, the best placement for your semicolon tattoo is over your wrist. This idea will remind you that you have a story to tell, and that your journey is still not over. Remind yourself on a daily of how far you've come, and enjoy its spiritual connection.

What does a butterfly tattoo mean mental health?

The metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly is gruesome, much like the transformation that occurs when going through something challenging in your life. The butterfly tattoo is sometimes used as a reminder that while change is messy, it makes us stronger and more beautiful.

What does 3 butterflies going down forearm tattoo mean?

They symbolize transformation, rebirth, and freedom. The meaning behind the butterfly tattoo is that of good luck or fortune in some cultures while others believe it represents renewal after death. What is this? Report Ad. It is also said that the three butterflies together is a sign of good luck.