In the US alone , there is an estimate of 121 suicides a day. Another 494,169 people will be hospitalized for a suicidal attempt each year. Suicide has been a troubling issue for teens throughout the years. With schools and adults barely discussing the topic with young people, many have felt alone in their daily struggles with life. In 2013, the dream for awareness changed into a reality.

Amy Bleuel grew up child of divorce in a household filled with substance abuse. As she dealt with depression and self harm herself , she also had to go through the loss of her father who took his life when she was 18.  For the next 9 years of her life, she went through 5 major suicide attempts and struggled with alcoholism until she found a way to make a change. In 2013, Bleuel started a nonprofit organization called Project Semicolon.

Project Semicolon is a movement hoping to ” present hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury”. The semicolon represents the goal of the organization  for those to believe “that this is not the end but a new beginning” for those struggling. It isn’t a help hotline but it’s hope to those who need it now more than other.

In 2015, it finally became a well known organization when individuals started posting their semicolon tattoos on social media with the #projectsemicolon. After that Project Semicolon has become a household name and has grown their reach throughout many communities. On their website they provide opportunities to get involved locally and make a difference. Whether it’s you sharing your story or starting a campaign , volunteering could make a huge impact in someone’s life.

On March 24, 2017 , the Project Semicolon community took a hard loss. Amy Bleuel helped so many individuals through her organization. It was her dream to help those with this awful sickness but couldn’t help herself. Her husband David wants to help live her dream out and keep her memory alive in the world.

Sources:

Project Semicolon A Mental Health Organization

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Semicolon