More than a punctuation mark: Project Semicolon, which represents hope for those struggling with depression, has gained much popularity since its launch two years ago. Jayadev Calamur speaks to those who have battled their skeletons to understand why they opted for the semicolon tattoo

"While in school, we were taught that the semicolon is a punctuation mark representing a sentence the author could have ended, but chose not to. Many have struggled with the usage of the semicolon, wondering where it can aptly be used. While some are more comfortable using it while constructing a sentence, most prefer using a full stop to indicate that the sentence is over. 

Today, the semicolon has taken a whole new meaning with US-based artist Amy Bleuel's Project Semicolon, a non-profit initiative to help individuals overcome depression. The project began in 2013 when Bleuel wanted to honour her father, who committed suicide. The title, 'Project Semicolon', also represented a goal - to believe that this is not the end, but a new beginning. 

Deep-rooted stigma

"The vision is that together we can achieve lower suicide rates in the US and around the world; that together we can start a conversation about suicide, mental illness and addiction that can't be stopped," says Amy on her website, www.projectsemicolon.org

In the past two years, the project has garnered popularity through social media and through musicians' support. "The message of hope and love has reached a big audience in many different countries, more than we could have ever anticipated," writes Amy, who too had a troubled life. "Despite the wounds of a dark past, I...