This Semicolon Tattoo Is Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma And It's Beautiful

Tattoos are a hotly-debated topic. An ex's name - just no, a meaningless star symbol you got on a whim when you were 18 and impressionable - oh the regret. But then there's the significant inkings. The ones with a powerful message of strength and hope like this tiny punctuation mark that's breaking down the mental health stigma one semicolon at a time.

What does that tattoo mean? It's a conversation starter many of us latch on to when in the presence of the inked. Sometimes the meaning is personal and intimate, other times it's as literal as you and your pals like Dominos a hell of a lot so you got a pizza slice on your ankle #UnbreakablePals.

Whether they're teeny tiny or take-over-your-body kinda huge, make you want to chortle or well-up, there's always a story to be told.

Tiny and discreet but with a powerful message, this semicolon tattoo is trending all over the world and its message is a beautiful one.

The trend was started by Project Semicolon, a faith based, non-profit organisation dedicated to presenting hope, inspiration and love to those struggling with depression, suicide addiction and self-injury.

Founder Amy Bleuel started the campaign in 2013 to honour her father who took his own life when she was just 18.

The organisation writes on its website, "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."

The tattoo symbolises solidarity amongst those struggling with mental health problems and a celebration of recovery. This is not the end but rather a new beginning. Heart!

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be at risk, please contact your local authorities, a mental health professional or call the Samaritans on 0845 790 9090.

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