Have you ever noticed someone who has a small semi-colon tattoo? Or maybe you know someone who always wears a necklace or bracelet with a semi-colon charm?

Wearing a semicolon signifies a life that has been impacted by depression, suicide, addiction, or self-injury. Like a semi-colon in a sentence, the tattoo (or charm) symbolizes that life can and does go on after life turns dark.

Each person has made the decision that it is better to get help and STAY alive than to continue to make choices that could end their life. I have lost count of the number of people in my life who now sport a “;” somewhere on their skin. Knowing those with mental health struggles has made me more vigilant in offering support without shame or judgment. Each time I reach out, I can feel God smiling on my life and the life of the one in need.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 NIV

I first wrote about self-harm in October 2020 in a post entitled Reach Out and Show Love Today, You can find links to a variety of resources there.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 immediately.