‘The mission of Project Semicolon is to help reduce the incidents of suicide in the world through connected community and greater access to information and resources’

Amy Bleuel tragically died by suicide on March 23 2017 at the age of 31. She founded Project Semicolon after her own battles with sexual assault, alcoholism, physical abuse and self-harm. Her death is a reminder of the struggle thousands of people face, bringing attention to issues that are considered taboo, such as the stigma around mental health and suicide.

Suicide is the act of intentionally ending your life. The Mental Health Foundation estimates that, every year, more than 6,000 suicides occur in the UK and Ireland. This means 12 suicides every day, and at least 120 attempts. Horrifyingly, it is the leading cause of death among young people, from the ages of 20 to 34.

“People who experience suicidal thoughts are suffering with tremendous emotional pain. Suicide is the result of actions taken to deal with intolerable mental anguish and pain, fear or despair that overwhelms an individual’s value for living and hope in life.”

Bleuel founded the organisation after her father’s suicide in 2003. It acts as a platform to talk and raise awareness about primarily suicide, "presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury".

The movement of people getting a semicolon tattoo originated from the organisation. The tattoo is a visual and constant reminder to people fighting with mental illness or from the loss of someone to suicide that there is hope and life beyond death or suicide attempts. Project Semicolon elaborates, explaining that "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".

ProjectSemicolon.com is an accessible way for people to learn about mental illness, confront suicidal thoughts, seek help, and share their own stories. The organisation believes that language is key to addressing the stigma of suicide and mental illness. Free mental health screenings are available to give you automatic results. There is also a location-based service to find local treatment in the US.  

‘Project Semicolon: Your Story Isn't Over’ is an upcoming book scheduled to be released on September 5, 2017. The book is a collection of stories published within the project’s online community, as well as photos of semicolon tattoos.

The organisation summarises Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention as the before, during and after experiences of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. They believe that anyone can contribute to preventing suicide in one or more of these areas.

-Prevention is essentially working to reduce suicide rates. This includes increasing awareness, eliminating stigma, and having the skills to recognise someone in danger.

-Intervention includes coping and intervening in the event that you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thinking or behavior.

-Postvention includes the skills and strategies for taking care of yourself or helping another person heal after the experience of suicide thoughts, attempts or death.
 

Amy Bleuel has died. However, the incredible work and contributions to society that she has made lives on, continuing to make a real difference in people’s lives and quality of life. As a non-profit organisation, the donations made to Project Semicolon create and execute programs that make an impact in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges, their loved ones, and the general public.

If you, or anyone you know, struggles with suicidal thoughts or mental illness, reaching out to others will help. Project Semicolon is a safe and loving space for anyone to make the vital initial contact, the first step to recovery.

You are not alone.

Natasha Jarrett, Orleans Park School

projectsemicolon.com

Other websites and contacts:

www.childline.org.uk

Childline - 0800 1111
www.samaritans.org

Samaritans - 116 123 (24 hours a day)