; Semi-Colons ;

”Tyler, why are you making a post about semi-colons? It’s just a thing that goes on a sentence.”

Its so much more than that to a lot of people. Semi-colons have another meaning to group of people. I’ll be going over the meaning and why it’s important to people.

Possible trigger warning for suicide and self-harm. Slight mentions of multiple mental illnesses.

..••°°°°••..

°°••....••°°

The Semicolon’s Meanings

”a punctuation mark (;) indicating a pause, typically between two main clauses, that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma.”

-Google

This definition is a bit simpler to understand. A semicolon is used when a writer could end a sentence, but decides to continue it.

”So this is a grammar lesson?”

Nope! Here’s the next and most important definition.

Semicolons also have something to do with suicide and self-harm prevention. Let’s rephrase the last definition. “A semicolon is used when you, the author, could’ve ended your life, but continued on.”

..••°°°°••..

°°••....••°°

Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention

Semicolons are sometimes drawn or tattooed on people who have a past of suicide/suicidal thoughts/self-harm. Most are accompanied by a saying of some sort. The most common ones are similar to: “Keep fighting”, “stay strong”, and “warrior”. Most tattooed ones are placed on the wrist or behind the ear.

These semicolons are used as a symbol of hope and a reminder to keep going.

There was something started in 2013, possibly earlier, where people would draw semicolons on their wrists if they suffered from depression, anxiety, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. There is now a project called “Project Semicolon”. It’s mission is to prevent suicide.

You can read more on their site. I am not sponsored to say this. I think the meaning of the project is great.

Project Semicolon’s Website

..••°°°°••..

°°••....••°°

My Experience

Since last year during grade eight I’ve almost always had a semicolon on my wrist. Last year I had tried to tattoo one on my wrist. The outline rejected within the first week, so it was never finished. I just got another tattoo of one very recently. I did it myself, again. I highly do not recommend tattooing yourself.

Many of my friends draw semicolons on themselves. My boyfriend is going to be getting one tattooed from me. Again I don’t recommend getting tattoos from yourself or anyone that’s not licensed.

Semicolons have had a big meaning for me.

..••°°°°••..

°°••....••°°

The Multiple Semicolon Projects

There are multiple projects that have to do with semicolons on the internet. Most are to spread awareness about mental illnesses.

Here are some common ones. They are post ones, but use the month and day and not the year.

• 16 April Semicolon Project

That is the only one I could find related directly to the semicolon. On April 16 draw a semicolon on your wrist if you’ve struggled through certain things. Click the link to find out more.

•Project Semicolon

Again, this amazing project. Project Semicolon is a nonprofit organisation that is run out of Colorado, USA. The organisation was formed on the belief that every suicide is preventable and that everyone has a role in preventing suicide. They have a list of ways to prevent suicide and help people on their site.

• Project Semicolon Teen

This is Projects Semicolon’s teen part of the website. This contains the suicide hotline, tips, and guidance. You can also find info about anxiety, depression, bipolar, bullying, self esteem, addiction, suicide, body image, self harm, eating disorders, and tips for parents and providers.

..••°°°°••..

°°••....••°°

That concludes my post on the importance of semicolons. Thank you for reading!

#CuratorReview