Project Semicolon and mental health

Project Semicolon, described as “a faithbased movement dedicated to presenting hope and love for those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction and self- injury” on the movement’s website, has swept the US where it began, and continues to flourish as an international phenomenon as people, indiscriminate of gender, race, age, or creed, mark their skin with a semicolon– be it with a permanent marker or needle– to show their alliance with the movement.

Amy Bleuel, who founded Project Semicolon in 2013, initially tattooed a semicolon onto her arm to honour her late father who she lost to suicide.

“Despite the wounds of a dark past I was able to rise from the ashes, proving that the best is yet to come,” Bleuel said on the movement’s site.

“Through the pain came inspiration and a deeper love for others.” While the tattoo represented a personal struggle for Bleuel, it wasn’t long before many others began to take note of her symbolic ink and identify with the strife that it represented.

We in Trinidad and Tobago are no different.

Thanks to social media and the swift diffusion of information, the movement quickly hit our nation and the diminutive punctuation mark began to decorate the flesh of our fellow citizens.

Through the movement, it is hoped that a positive light will be shed on mental illness and the public perception of it.

“I heard about (Project Semicolon) from a really good friend of mine,” a student, who did not wish to be named, said. “It’s so comforting that there is a genuine desire to assist those who suffer from self harm and depression and to know that they are no longer alone in the fight.” Though Project Semicolon is gaining momentum amongst the population of teenagers and adults alike, the topic of mental health remains one that is seen as taboo in our society.

Thus, the question arises: has a platform for an open discussion about mental health in our nation finally been established? “Many have the perception of people being ‘crazy’ or ‘mad’ and don’t see it as a mental illness,” Anne John, psychologist at Families in Action, said. “People talk a lot about medical and physical illnesses but when it comes to mental illnesses, people pull back and see it as taboo.” The caution tape that shrouds the topic of mental health in TT enables the topic to be swept under the rug and can potentially do more harm than good by discouraging those struggling with mental illnesses to speak up and seek help.

“Persons may not get the help they need because their family is not allowing them to, so they are left to cope alone,” John said. “People shouldn’t feel like they have to hide it.” Additionally, the lack of understanding that many individuals face from society can further worsen the problem.

“Most people don’t understand what it feels like to be in the frame of mind that drives you to hurt yourself,” the student said.

“They simply think it’s a phase or a cry for attention when, in reality, it’s a fight you feel like you’re fighting on your own.” Though many individuals are aware of the general premise of mental illnesses, much can still be done to inform people about its severity and seriousness.

“Education is needed,” John said. “People tend to lump together the illnesses but they must get proper information and recognise that anyone can suffer from mental illness.” John continued to emphasise the need to educate nationals on the various forms of mental illnesses through numerous mediums including holding workshops, putting out articles, and incorporating information into school subjects such as social studies.

“We must educate people on what to do when they are asked questions and how we can prevent it,” John said.

Though mental illness is a sensitive topic amongst many in our nation, it is evident that much progress is being made to shine a light on it with the assistance of movements like Project Semicolon which has offered an outlet for those struggling with various mental illnesses and continues to be a beacon of hope.

“I hope this movement in Trinidad and Tobago will reduce and eventually completely put an end to self harm, suicide and addiction,” the student said. “This is only possible through nationwide support, including that of the Government.”