Project Semicolon Day, celebrated on April 16, encourages everybody to share their own stories of struggle and their semicolons, whether it is tattooed or drawn on.
This Saturday!!#ProjectSemicolon #SemicolonProject416 pic.twitter.com/w2wWFf1xex
— Project Semicolon (@ProjSemicolon) April 14, 2016
Project Semicolon was founded by Amy Bleuel in spring of 2013 as a way to honor her father, whom she lost to suicide. The semicolon became a symbol that represents hope and comradery amongst those struggling with mental illness, and served to start a conversation and reduce the stigma around suicide. The semicolon tattoo, which became popular soon after Project Semicolon started, became an identifier for those who struggle with depression and other mental illnesses and connect and empathize with each other. Their website states,
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.
My story isn’t over yet ?? @projsemicolon #416 #projectsemicolonpic.twitter.com/gOlB1I2bCo
— Wayne McCullough (@WayneMcCullough) April 16, 2016
Project Semicolon is also currently accepting submissions for an upcoming book being published by HarperCollins sometime in 2017. The submission deadline is June 1.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or considering suicide, please call 1-800-273-TALK or chat at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
