Quick personal post here. April 16th is Project Semicolon Day. The project was created by a woman named Amy Bleuel, who herself struggled with and lost the battle to depression this past year. The group encourages people to embrace a message about the semicolon. Many people, including myself, get tattoos of a semicolon to remind ourselves; we are survivors, warriors, fighters. The mission statement is a simple analogy. "A semicolon represents a sentence the author could have ended, but chose not to. That author is you, and the sentence is your life. I have remembered this now for several years as I battle my own mental health problems and support those around me who struggle as well. I have lost one of my closest friends to suicide in the past year and it was the most difficult loss I've had to cope with. The day that I heard the terrible news, I was on a plane to Budapest to begin my one month of solo traveling across Europe. I considered cancelling the trip and coming home to mourn, but I knew my friend would want me to go on a wild adventure and learn more about myself and the world. I carried on my travels and although it was the most difficult thing I have ever done, I made so many friends and memories that helped me through my darkest days. One interaction I remember the most is when I crossed paths with a girl in a hostel in Paris. We got to talking as fellow travelers do and realized that we have the same tattoo, the same size, in the same spot. Complete strangers, we shared our stories of what it means to us and opened up to one another. The following morning we said our goodbyes after snapping a picture of our solidarity. I don't know where she is now, but for just one night, she was a friend when I needed one most, and for that I am thankful. So please, be compassionate. Ask those around you how they are, be aware of the warning signs, eliminate the stigma against those suffering from mental illness. It means so much to just have a simple conversation when you are struggling with depression. And for those who are currently fighting just remember: "Your story isn't over."
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Amy HostetterCurrent student. Archives
January 2019
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