In 2013, Project Semicolon was started as anti-suicide advisory.

Since then it's followers have grown and the rise of the semicolon tattoo has followed. When writing, a semicolon can be used in place of a period to continue the sentence instead of ending it. In life, the semicolon reflects this meaning by signifying one could have ended their life but chose to carry on.

As a person diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and as someone who's wanted be dead for a large part of their life, Project Semicolon and the semicolon tattoo had always interested me. Freshman year of college after dealing with a lot of sadness and depression, I finally said, "screw it, I'm getting that tattoo."

It was the most painful thing I've ever willingly done. Since I got it done on my rib, my whole ribcage shook. I was squeezing my friend's hand so hard that I was probably hurting her a little too. As soon as the artist had finished and showed me my tattoo I started crying.

I had been fighting my whole life to be happy and keep living, and to finally see my semicolon remind me of that made me the happiest I have ever been. Every time I look at my tattoo I get the reminder that I've chosen to live even in some of the saddest parts of my life and it makes me so proud.

Since getting my tattoo, I have been significantly happier. Now I'm not implying that the cure to my depression and that I wouldn't have been happy without it; however, whenever I have a bad day I get to look at my semicolon and remind myself that my sentence isn't over.

If you or anyone you know has depression, please seek help and advice. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 and is available to call 24/7.