Why I Got a Semicolon and Cross Tattoo After My Suicide Attempt
I got these tattoos last year, the cross and the semicolon, a few weeks after I was released from the hospital after a suicide attempt. These symbols are permanent reminders of what’s brought me this far in life and how much I still have left to live for. On the hardest days of my depression, I can look at the cross and semicolon and remember that, because of Jesus and the strength he’s given me through faith, medication and therapy, my story goes on.
When I have days in which I feel like giving up the fight, the cross helps me to remember I can face the hard things life throws at me and come out victoriously on the other side. I’m reminded that the darkest nights give way to the brightest days. I find the strength to hold on and to remember this life is worth living.
Looking at the semicolon gives me the courage to be hopeful about my future. It is a visual representation of the fact there is so much more I want to do, so much I want to be, so much I have to live for. There is so much more to my story, and I want to be here to write it.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.
If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
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I enjoy writing and reading. I love to talk about makeup, hair, and fashion, especially as it relates to redheads. I battle depression; I also parent a child who is on the autism spectrum. As challenging and as difficult as my life can be, I still manage to have at least a little fun each day!
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