Semicolon Tattoo Meaning – What Does A Semicolon Tattoo Mean?

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If you’re anything like us, you’re probably always looking at people’s wrists and arms when you notice they have custom tattoos on their skin.

And if you do, you’ve probably seen many people in recent years with semicolon tattoos punctuating their skin.

The semicolon tattoo has become a popular symbol that represents hope and the struggle that many have had with mental health, whether personally or for other people in their lives.

So if you’re wondering about semicolon tattoo meaning, you’re in the right place!

But what exactly does a semicolon tattoo mean? Where did it come from? And how can you design a semicolon tattoo that’s 100% unique to you?

Dive in below as we explore virtually everything there is to know about semicolon tattoos!

Mental Health And The Meaning Of A Semicolon As A Tattoo

In the past, there’s been a great deal of stigma surrounding mental health issues. Whether we’re talking about anxiety, depression, self-harm, or suicide, there was a time when you just didn’t talk about these things.

But with suicide rates rising over the past 25 years, it’s hard to ignore it anymore; mental health is something that NEEDS to be talked about!

Semicolon tattoos do exactly that; they open up the conversation as symbols of hope and overcoming mental health challenges.

Let’s review more of the meanings often related to semicolon tattoos.

• Symbols of mental health – It’s not uncommon to find people today who have had mental healthy struggles in their lives. This is why the semicolon has become a common and popular symbol for mental health, representing either your own experiences or another’s.
• Represents a pause – The semicolon is a punctuation mark, but it is not used to finish a sentence. Which is why many say that the semicolon tattoo tattoo represents a pause, not the end to a person’s life.
• New beginnings – Because the semicolon is a pause, not an end, it represents moving on in life, personal growth, transformation, and putting darkness back into the closet where it belongs.
• Hope – Mental health is real and it can be debilitating for many who’ve struggled with it. The semicolon tattoo can be a tattoo meaning hope and that life can extend beyond any current mental healthy struggles.
• Raise awareness – A semicolon tattoo can be a conversation starter. They help raise awareness about mental health issues and can serves as a reminder of your own struggles or the struggles of others. The more people see semicolon tattoos and understand the significance, the less stigma there is around mental health issues.
• Survival – Many people who get semicolon tattoos are suicide survivors or have dealt with anxiety, depression, self-harm. They use the tattoo as a symbol to show they’re on a journey towards healing and recovery and that others like them can survive too.
• Personal significance – Whether you’re been personally affected by mental health issues or know people who have, a semicolon tattoo can be use to tell your story. They can have whatever meaning or personal significance you feel is important.

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What Is The Origin Of The Semicolon Tattoo As A Symbol Of Mental Health?

The semicolon tattoo has grown in popularity in recent years namely due to a non-profit organization called Project Semicolon. The non-profit chose the semicolon as a metaphor that fits nicely around the lives of those who could have ended their lives but didn’t

Imagine this sentence is your life. It could be ended with a period.

But as Project Semicolon sees it, you can also put a semicolon at the end of that sentence; to take a pause, and then continue the sentence, making it longer, and more meaningful than it ever was before.

So whether you’re experiencing mental health issues now, have experienced self-injury in the past, or have been affected by mental health struggles in any way, the semicolon tattoo can be a constant reminder that it’s OK to feel the way you, that you’re not alone, and there is always hope at the end of that dark tunnel.

Designing A Mental Health Awareness Tattoo That’s 100% Unique

People often get a traditional semicolon tattoo design, just as a small punctuation mark in its most basic form. Often, this is done purposefully because the tattoo is a serious reminder of mental health issues and suicide prevention.

But you absolutely can design a semicolon tattoo to be completely unique to you by using different colors, tattoo styles, or by adding other elements you like to your design.

It doesn’t have to be small or black; you can get a cutesy semicolon tattoo, a colorful semicolon tattoo, or any other type of semicolon tattoo that you want.

Let’s take a look at a handful of semicolon tattoo design ideas to choose from.

• Floral semicolon tattoos – A mental health awareness tattoo doesn’t have to be drab or plain. Pair your semicolon tattoo with flower tattoo designs to make it bigger or more vibrant.
• Cute semicolon tattoos – Semicolon tattoos can be done with cute design ideas, such as putting a face on the semicolon or having the period part of the semicolon done in the shape of a heart.
• Winged semicolon tattoos – For anyone who has lost a loved one due to suicide, a winged semicolon tattoo can be a great way to commemorate and remember their lives.
• Abstract geometric semicolon tattoos – Geometric patterns of designs can be used to fill in the shape or your semicolon tattoo or they can be done around it as part of a larger semicolon tattoo design.
• Colorful semicolon tattoos – A semicolon tattoo doesn’t need to be small or done with black ink. Choosing specific colors can add layers of meaning and personal touches to your tattoo. You can incorporate any elements or colors that you like into your design.
• Semicolon + Words – Because of the deep and meaningful relationship a semicolon has with mental health, you can pair your tattoo with other meaningful words, like hope, survivor, life, talk, etc.

And obviously, these are just a few of the different design ideas you can use for your semicolon tattoo. Just don’t be afraid to think outside the box. You can design a semicolon tattoo in whatever way you like.

And if you’re having trouble coming up with a design idea that you like, you can always talk to a tattoo artist about your tattoo ideas and see if they can suggest any other ways to bring them to life in a semicolon tattoo that’s 100% unique to you!

Semicolon Tattoo Meaning – Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks to Project; the semicolon has been transformed into a powerful symbol of mental health.

Instead of being the end of a sentence, the semicolon represents new beginnings and one’s ability to overcome hardships in life.

Now, rather than ending things right here, let’s move on to a few frequently asked questions about the semicolon tattoo.

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What is Project Semicolon (Project;)?

Project; is a non-profit organization that was launched in 2013 to raise awareness and end the stigma associated with mental health struggles around the world. The organization was started by a woman named Amy Bleuel who wanted to build a community resource for anyone with mental health struggles or who have been affected by mental health in any way.

Can I get other punctuation as a tattoo?

Yes! While the semicolon tattoo has become a symbol of hope for those on a journey towards healing, other punctuation marks can also make for deep and meaningful tattoos. For instance, a question mark tattoo might represent questioning existence, curiosity or being open-minded. Or an exclamation mark tattoo can signify one’s excitement or zest for life.

Can I get a semicolon tattoo if I’ve never been personally affected by depression, anxiety, or self-harm?

Yes, you can! Many people get a semicolon tattoo because they’ve had personal struggles with mental health challenges. But you can get a semicolon tattoo to show your solidarity and support for other people who’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, self-harm or other mental health issues.

Is a comma tattoo the same as a semicolon tattoo?

No. A comma can also be used to represent a pause, but it is the semicolon that is most often used to represent mental health. That said, if you’re looking to design a punctuation mark tattoo that’s a bit different or slightly more unique, you could use a comma or any other punctuation marks as part of your tattoo design.

Ready to design a semicolon tattoo that’s 100% unique? Try our innovative AI tattoo generator today to play with different design ideas and styles!