Between one in five American adults encounters mental illness in a given year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health. But, notwithstanding it is also common, lingering social stigmas make it hard for some to speak out about their mental health issues and this can cause serious health issues if not taken care off. More people are finding it so hard to talk openly about their depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. Some are even shattering the stigma by adorning their bodies with mental health-related tattoos.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, here is an excellent Project Semicolon. It’s not about having a ‘love for grammar’. According to the project’s website, Project Semicolon is a global non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love for those who are struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. If someone has a semicolon tattoo, it can be among the Project Semicolon.
Our mental health is a part of us and tattoos can be a constant remembrance of where we’ve been and where we aspire to go. If you think the tattoos are marvelous, the stories are even much better. Take a look!
1. “This reminds me that it’s not my fault. Serotonin is lacking in my brain. We are all warriors in this fight against mental illness.” — Paige Johnson
2. “Tattoos are so essential to my mental health…”
“…I give myself warnings I wouldn’t believe otherwise. I chose to leave that impression there, to leave a moment of hope for myself. I don’t feel hope when it comes from other people, so the self-direction and permanence of tattoos goes a long way in getting out of anxiety.” — Olivia James
3. “I’m not an expert on disorders and I’m not a specialist on healing, but I do know this: both are what life brings, and how we handle that what matters.” — Alyse Ruriani
4. “Stars can’t shine without the darkness. Even if things in my head aren’t OK, it won’t be dark for long because I’m a shining star in my right.” — Erica Marie
5. “I can never give up; I’m a fighter.” — Jenna Pleasants
6. “Pi, a mathematical constant, reminds me that even when my world feels like it’s falling apart, there’s still a constant in the world…”
“…The semicolon tells me to keep going even though I don’t feel like I can or don’t need to. A Bible verse reminds me of the huge picture I sometimes fail to see when I’m depressed.” — Julianne Leow
7. “The bottom tattoo is for eating disorder and recovery…”
“…I endured anorexia when I was 14 years old. The first tattoo is for my strife, and I was free from postpartum mental illness. It tried to take my life, but I’m still here, and now I’m full of joy and thriving!”
8. “I have post-traumatic stress sickness, severe general and social anxiety disorders and severe chronic depression. I also have a brain damage…”
“…The trauma began at 7 and eventually left when I was 33. I have this to remind me that my heart is still beating and my stars light my way. I’m never without love, even alone.” — Kimberley Halliwell
9. “This hummingbird was tattooed quickly after three months of hospitalization for post-traumatic anxiety dysfunction and depression. It tells me that it’s OK to fly. And I got PTSD service dog I received shortly after!” — Kerri Symes.
Tattoos can be a great medium to express our individuality and feelings. Some people might think that having tattoos are awful, scary, even taboo. But, having tattoo isn’t always bad. Sometimes it becomes a reminder for ourselves about the pain we have been through and how we have become so strong that we still can stand up until this very minute.
