Project Semicolon (https://projectsemicolon.com/) changed the game concerning suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and the stigma surrounding mental health.
By providing a visible way for people to acknowledge their struggle, Project Semicolon brought suicidality, depression, and self-harm out of the shadows. They provided a way for people who are struggling to find resources and help. Since they are now a mainstream entity, Project Semicolon will only continue snowballing and spreading. As it spreads, the message of hope, courage, and self-love will go with it.
Project Semicolon: Shedding Light on Mental Health Awareness
Project Semicolon brought some of the darkest aspects of life to light. They’ve helped spread the word that mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. Furthermore, they’ve given people a way to say, “I chose to live when my brain was trying to kill me, and I’m proud of that.”
They’ve worked tirelessly to save lives by creating a rallying point, a battle cry, and a place to find resources. That battle cry can be summed up by the Project Semicolon tagline, “My story isn’t over yet.” The true power of the project rests in very concept of things not quite ending when there was the option to do so. You see, a semicolon is used when an author could have ended a sentence, but decided to continue it.
Project Semicolon: Amy Bleuel, Founder, Battled Depression
Amy Bleuel, the creator of Project Semicolon, definitively ended her story yesterday.Thousands upon thousands of people all over the world were devastated to learn of her death. She was 31 years old when she lost her battle with depression. Her death was confirmed a suicide. Our team here at Anything Pawsable is deeply sorry for all those she left behind. Her loss will affect mental health and mental health education all over the world. Beyond that, though, there’s the hole left in the hearts of all those close to her and those who loved her or her work.
That being said, the cogs and gears she set into motion with Project Semicolon will continue turning. Her project was incredibly well engineered. It will continue the grind toward creating a world where struggle does not need to be hidden. Project Semicolon seeks to remove stigma from our society, which will allow more people to find help. This is Amy’s legacy, and it is a lasting one.
Through her work with Project Semicolon, she changed the very face of mental health. Her story and mission will forever live on in the hearts, minds and stories of too many people to number. Countless people latched on to the symbol of the semicolon as a reason to go on. Countless people find and display hope in the symbology. Above all, Project Semicolon is only getting bigger. The lives it has saved and changed will carry on its purpose.
Project Semicolon: What’s Up With That Semicolon Tattoo?
People all over the world proudly showcase semicolon tattoos. Some display them on their wrists, necks, fingers, or ankles. Others incorporate the semicolon into larger pieces. Creativity abounds, and identical semicolon tattoos are few and far between. These tattoos serve as a sign of their commitment to life. Occasionally, the tattoo is worn by friends or family members as a sign of understanding.
The semicolon tattoo is a movement in and of itself, with people from all walks of life getting them. Unsurprisingly, hundreds of gorgeous and creative semicolon designs exist. The tattoo design is limited only by creativity and the artist’s skill. Each semicolon tattoo has a story behind it and a reason it exists. Most semicolon tattoos showcase some part of the recipients’s personality and style.
Thanks to Amy and the incredible movement she started, struggling people (and those who love them) have a tangible means of acknowledging some of the darkest days of their life. They have a means of showing their struggle, of displaying their fight for life. Their tattoo helps give them the courage to speak up, to speak out, about mental health. They are not afraid, and that is part of the magic of Project Semicolon.
Rest easy, Amy. We hope you’ve found the peace you were so desperately searching for. All of those who’s lives you have touched will take it from here. We’ll carry your mission, and we’ll spread hope.
Project Semicolon: Suicide and Crisis Hotlines and Resources
If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, reach out for help immediately. Call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a crisis counselor at no cost. Text “HOME” to 741741 to begin a text conversation with trained crisis response professionals.
Kathryn Smith April 1, 2017
Blessings and Bright Lights to Guide and Comfort each of you, and her, during this Time of Transition ©