When I’m doing day-to-day things, it is very common for other people to ask me why I have a semicolon tattoo on my right wrist. A semicolon is defined as “a punctuation mark indicating a pause, typically between two main clauses, that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma.”

Project Semicolon is a “non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury.”  The mantra for Project Semicolon is “your story isn’t over.” They go on to say, “A semicolon is used when an author could have ended a sentence but chose not to. You are the author and the sentence is your life.” 

Semicolon tattoos, often with the mantra, or part of it, are becoming more and more popular as we – as human beings – show our solidarity and support for ourselves and others. 

When people ask me about my tattoo I have the chance to tell them as much or little as I choose. Sometimes I simply regurgitate the beautiful mantra of project semicolon and at other times I give my testimony. I am a person living with bipolar disorder and drug addiction. I have attempted suicide 4 times. I’m not some of these labels and actions but rather a survivor of them. I’m clean from addiction, I have halted my self-injury, and my depression is under treatment. I have a great team of mental health professionals, friends and family that support me and I support you. I do not want your sympathy, I want your empathy, and I want you to know that someone you love shares my history in some way or another. 

Read the rest of Liz’s posts here.