17 People Share Personal Stories Behind Their Mental Health Tattoos
The #SemiColonProject is the inspiring movement behind all those punctuation tattoos you keep seeing, and Instagram users are sharing their reasons behind their personal ink.
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1. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Symbol
Project Semicolon is a mental health movement "dedicated to presenting hope and love for those who are struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction and self-injury." SOURCE: amymitzi92/instagram
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2. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Heart
According to the project's website, "A semicolon is used when an author could’ve ended a sentence but chose not to. You are the author and the sentence is your life." SOURCE: leideedie/instagram
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3. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Flower
People began sharing photos of their tattoos in 2015, and the meaningful trend is still going strong over a year later. SOURCE: missjessbex/instagram
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4. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Warrior
Many people sport the tattoos as a personal reminder to keep going, or as a tribute to loved ones who have struggled with mental health issues. SOURCE: lwarnell/instagram
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5. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Story Continues
"Two times my story could have ended but I'm still here, I'm still fighting." SOURCE: kstick33/instagram
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6. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Resilience
"Because if I am anything, I am resilient." SOURCE: ouch818/instagram
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7. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | Just Breathe
"Call me cliche or whatever but this actually means so much to me being that I'm a survivor of a suicide attempt." SOURCE: ariana_steller/instagram
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8. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Infinity
"Three years ago was my most difficult summer to get through, and the summer I decided to take back control and not let my physical or emotional issues run my life." SOURCE: kimberlypgew/instagram
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9. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | I Shall Rise
"I have suffered with issues most of my adult life as I know many others that are battling too. The Semicolon represents the choice to continue to carry on going, even though you may want to stop." SOURCE: sixxam_world_domination/instagram
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10. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Arrow
"The arrow is a reminder that sometimes we go backwards to gain momentum to move forwards. Just a little reminder that I've made it this far and can keep going." SOURCE: serinrayner/instagram
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11. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Story
"A constant reminder when the going gets rough to push past the demons that at times consume me." SOURCE: seasaltsecrets/instagram
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12. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Warrior
"After struggling with mental illness for a long time, especially these past six or so months, I finally got my semicolon tattoo. This is just my daily reminder of why I fight; that it will get better. I am a warrior." SOURCE: briannahoggatt/instagram
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13. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | Just Keep Swimming
Some people are creatively including them in personal, inspirational and motivation quotes. SOURCE: addygurl/instagram
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14. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Olive Branch
If you're looking into getting inked for the Semi Colon Project, why not opt for some Olive branches - a symbol of peace - like this one? SOURCE: beccabillis/instagram
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15. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Heartbeat
Putting the semi colon in the middle of a heartbeat is a powerful statement that echoes the sentiment of the movement. SOURCE: kitchenfreak985/instagram
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16. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Fight
Some have even paired with the symbol with others, such as the National Eating Disorder Association's logo in honour of eating disorder recovery. SOURCE: emilybrandt__/instagram
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17. Semi Colon Project Tattoos | The Meaning
So if you're looking for a meaningful tattoo to honour someone who has suffered with their mental health, look no further than the inspiration on the #SemiColonProject Instagram hashtag. SOURCE: dancingwiththeblackdog/instagram
