The Semicolon: A Punctuation Mark of Hope and Continuation in Suicide Awareness

John Rossi
Sep 17, 2025
4 min read

As we navigate the heart of Suicide Awareness Month on September 15, 2025, it's a poignant time to reflect on symbols that carry profound meaning. At Clarity Mental Health and Wellness, we're shining a light on the semicolon (;), a simple yet powerful emblem that has become synonymous with mental health resilience and suicide prevention. This unassuming punctuation mark reminds us that our stories don't have to end prematurely—they can continue with hope, community support, and compassionate care. In this blog, we'll explore the history of the semicolon in suicide awareness, its enduring impact, and how it inspires us to seek and offer help.

The Origins: From Personal Grief to Global Movement

The story of the semicolon as a symbol of suicide awareness begins with one woman's tribute to her father. In 2013, Amy Bleuel founded Project Semicolon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and anti-suicide efforts, in honor of her dad, who died by suicide. Bleuel, who herself struggled with mental health challenges, sought to create a platform that presented "hope and love to those struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury." The semicolon was chosen deliberately: in grammar, it's used when an author could end a sentence but opts to continue with a related clause. Similarly, Bleuel envisioned it as a metaphor for life—where one could choose to end their story but instead decides to keep writing.

This idea resonated deeply. What started as a personal initiative quickly blossomed into a movement. Bleuel encouraged people to get semicolon tattoos, drawings, or wear the symbol as jewelry, turning it into a visible badge of survival and solidarity. By 2015, the semicolon tattoo had gone viral on social media, sparking conversations that broke down stigma and highlighted the importance of mental health. Project Semicolon grew to offer events, workshops, and resources, emphasizing that suicide is preventable through community education and support.

Tragically, Amy Bleuel passed away by suicide in March 2017 at the age of 31. Her death was a heartbreaking reminder of the complexities of mental health struggles, but it didn't diminish the legacy she built. Instead, it amplified the message: even founders of hope movements face darkness, underscoring the need for ongoing compassion and accessible help. Today, Project Semicolon continues its work, fostering a global community where individuals feel seen and supported.

The Symbol's Deeper Meaning: Continuation Over Ending

At its core, the semicolon represents choice and resilience. It's not just about surviving a suicide attempt—though that's a key aspect—but about affirming that life's "sentence" can pivot toward healing, even amid pain from depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, or other challenges. As one survivor shared, "The semicolon is my daily reminder that I've managed to get through every day so far, and I can keep going." This symbolism extends to broader mental health issues, like PTSD in veterans, where organizations like the IGY6 Foundation incorporate the semicolon (often in teal) alongside phrases like "I Got Your Back" to honor those lost and support the living.

The beauty of the semicolon lies in its subtlety. Unlike bolder symbols, it invites curiosity— "What's that mean?"—opening doors to empathetic dialogues. It's a quiet act of defiance against isolation, whispering, "Your story matters, and it's not over yet." In a world where over 700,000 people die by suicide annually, this symbol fosters hope by normalizing conversations about mental wellness.

Building Community Through the Semicolon

One of the semicolon's greatest strengths is its power to connect people. Tattoos and shared symbols create a silent network of understanding, where a glance at someone's wrist can signal, "I've been there too—or I'm here for you." During Suicide Awareness Month, communities worldwide host "Semicolon Events," like art installations, walks, and storytelling sessions, to build these bonds.

At Clarity Mental Health and Wellness, we embrace this community spirit. Our group therapy sessions and workshops often incorporate creative expressions like semicolon-inspired journaling, where participants reflect on their "next chapters." We've witnessed how these shared experiences reduce feelings of isolation, turning vulnerability into collective strength. Whether you're a survivor, a supporter, or simply someone wanting to learn, joining a local or online semicolon community can be transformative—reminding us that compassion multiplies when we show up for each other.

Hope in Action: Personal Stories of Continuation

The semicolon's history is alive in the stories of those who've embraced it. Take the anonymous client who, after a crisis, got a semicolon tattoo during our therapy program: "It marked my decision to keep writing my story, with Clarity's support guiding the pen." Or consider veterans who've used the symbol to honor fallen comrades while committing to their own futures, as highlighted by military wellness initiatives.

These narratives fuel hope, showing that seeking help isn't an end but a semicolon—a pause before progress. Research from suicide prevention centers reinforces this: early intervention through therapy, peer support, and resources can save lives, turning potential periods into semicolons.

Seeking Help with Compassion: Resources for Your Next Chapter

If the semicolon speaks to you, know that help is a semicolon away—a choice to continue. Self-compassion starts here: forgive yourself for struggling, and extend that kindness to others by listening without judgment.

Immediate Crisis Support: Call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 confidential help.
Professional Guidance: Our team at Clarity Mental Health and Wellness offers tailored therapy, including trauma-informed care and virtual options. Visit www.claritymhw.com to connect.
Community Tools: Download apps like My3 for safety planning, or join Project Semicolon events for inspiration.

Remember, asking for help is an act of courage, not defeat. Phrases like "I'm here; let's talk" can be lifelines.

A Compassionate Call to Action: Keep the Story Going

As Suicide Awareness Month reminds us, symbols like the semicolon aren't just ink or punctuation—they're beacons of community, hope, and compassion. Since Amy Bleuel's founding vision in 2013, this movement has saved countless stories by encouraging us to pause, seek support, and persist.

We invite you to honor the semicolon: Share your story (anonymously if preferred), get a temporary tattoo, or simply check in with a loved one. At Clarity Mental Health and Wellness, we're committed to being part of your continuation. Your life is a sentence worth completing—visit www.claritymhw.com today to start your next chapter. Together, with empathy and action, we choose semicolons over endings. You are not alone; your story matters.

Dr. John Rossi, DNP, PMHNP-BC