“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."-Project Semicolon
As many of you know, September is Suicide Prevention Month. Here at TDC we are using this month to start conversations around this topic and highlight organizations who are working tirelessly to prevent suicide. One such organization is Project Semicolon, a nonprofit whose mission is to help reduce the incidents of suicide around the world through connecting communities and providing greater access to information and resources. Project Semicolon believes suicide is preventable and recognizes that each and every individual on this earth has a role and responsibility in preventing suicide. Project Semicolon works to equip people with the tools necessary to engage in suicide prevention, including educating communities and raising public awareness around the topic of suicide.
Amy Bleuel created Project Semicolon in 2013 in honor of her father who died by suicide. Amy was courageously open about her own struggles with mental illness and suicide, and in doing so inspired others to share that same vulnerability. Since the inception of her organization, the symbol of a semicolon has come to represent hope and inspiration for those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide, self-injury, depression, addiction, and other mental health diagnoses. It is a reminder that this is not the end, but can be a new beginning. Tens of thousands of individuals have since gotten tattoos or temporarily draw this symbol on themselves as a personal reminder, to support loved ones, or to mark themselves as an ally for those who are struggling. A community of semicolons now lives and breathes as an encouragement to keep living and to not end stories prematurely. Founder Amy Bleuel lost her battle with suicide earlier this year, but her passion continues on in the movement she started through Project Semicolon.
To learn more about Project Semicolon, visit https://projectsemicolon.com. Their website has a lot to offer, including interactive sections and resources:
- You can sign up to share your story here.
- To read about others who have chosen to continue their stories, click here.
- To discover tangible ways to take action, click here.
- To learn about mental health, click here.
- If you are concerned about someone, click here.
- If you are having suicidal thoughts, click here.
- If you are a suicide attempt survivor, click here.
- If you are interested in purchasing Semicolon Project products, click here.