Suicide Prevention Week recognizes Project Semicolon. The Vision for Project Semicolon is that together we can achieve lower suicide rates in the U.S. and around the world.
Causes of Suicide
There is no single cause of suicide. It most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. Often it is undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems increase the risk of suicide. This is particularly true when they are unaddressed. It’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions lead fulfilling lives.
What is the Semicolon Project and How Does it Relate to Suicide Prevention Week?
What is the Project Semicolon? Project Semicolon is a non-profit movement. It is dedicated to presenting hope to those who are struggling with mental health, suicide, self-injury, and addiction. “A semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to.
Project Semicolon is a non-profit movement. It is dedicated to presenting hope to those who are struggling with mental health, suicide, self-injury, and addiction. The author of the semicolon project website states that “A semicolon is used when an author couldn’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.
The Semicolon Project presents a simple concept. Simply draw or tattoo the semicolon symbol somewhere visible on your body. This represents and allows you to share personal strength to overcome internal struggle. This means anyone can raise awareness of suicide prevention, depression, and addiction. It also helps stop the mental health stigma. Many people choose to tattoo a semicolon on their wrist, ankle, or behind their ear to get the conversation about Mental Health stigma started. The Semicolon Project, whether you have a tattoo or not, encourages you to spread the word to stop Mental Health Stigma. It gives permission to discuss personal experience, strength, and hope with others.
What Does the Semicolon Tattoo Represent?
A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;), which is used as a message of affirmation and solidarity with those who have dealt with suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.
Signs of Suicidal Behavior to Discuss During Suicide Prevention Week
A sign to recognize when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
Another way to open the discussion of suicide prevention is to wear the teal and purple ribbon. These ribbons are perfect for Suicide Prevention Week.