The Value of the Semicolon

The semicolon is a form of English punctuation that separates two independent clauses.  The Punctuation Guide describes it as "stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period".

As a copywriter, I understand the editorial value of a well-placed semicolon. But I love that this "little" punctuation mark has a much bigger meaning. A semicolon marks the place where a sentence COULD have ended but it DIDN'T.  That is why the semicolon has become the symbol of Suicide, Depression, and Self-Harm Awareness.

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In 2013, 28-year-old Amy Bleuel founded Project Semicolon to reduce the number of suicides across the globe.  Amy, who lost her dad to suicide when she was 18 and has struggled with her own depression and self-harm, explains, "a semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life."
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The semicolon tattoo has been a visible and viral symbol of depression/self-harm sufferers and survivors, and people honoring loved ones who are battling depression and/or didn't survive self-harm.

Please remember:

• ​If YOU are depressed or thinking about self harm, STOP!  Go to the emergency room, call your mental health provider, dial 911, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (that's 1-800-273-8255).  You don't want to die; you just want the pain to stop. You can choose the semicolon...PLEASE.
• If someone you know is depressed or mentions self-destructive behavior, do not take it lightly. Help them get help.

The next time you see a semicolon while reading or on someone's body art, remember its power. You could end it, but you can choose not to.