Struggling with thoughts of self-harm is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. There is always help, and I designed the semicolon wall hanging to offer a reminder to pause and reach out for help. This is important because the moment help is needed is often the moment those in need have the lowest desire to reach out. Call #988, reach out to a loved one, a friend, someone you trust, and talk it out. Unpacking the emotions attached to the thoughts will pull us out of that dark place and ease the pain.

The meaning of the semicolon can vary depending on your personal experiences and reasons for relating to it However, among pop culture, the semicolon has become widely recognized as a symbol of hope and resilience, particularly for those who have struggled with mental health issues and thoughts of suicide. Whether it's personal thoughts of self harm or a significant person in our lives, we've all been affected by the stigma of mental health and suicide.

A grammatical symbol representing a sentence that could have ended but didn't, the semicolon represents the same for a person's life story: to continue living and keep going, even in the face of adversity. The semicolon reminds us to focus on our strengths and represents the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges.

It can be a deeply personal and empowering symbol representing a journey towards healing, honoring struggles with mental health, and celebrating victories in overcoming those challenges. It is also used to show solidarity and support for those who are experiencing mental health issues, raise awareness, start conversations, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.