Does the semicolon mean more to you than a mere punctuation? Then you are probably aware of Amy Bleuel, the woman who founded the movement Project Semicolon in 2013 in support of people struggling with mental illness, suicide, depression and self-injury.
Amy, who started the project in memory of her father who she lost to suicide, killed herself on March 24. According to UNILAD, the 31-year-old had herself struggled with mental health issues for over 20 years.
Amy’s campaign gave hope to hundreds across the world. Her first call to others suffering from mental illnesses went out on April 16, 2013. It said:
“On April 16, 2013, everyone who self harms, is suicidal, depressed, has anxiety, is unhappy, going through a broken heart, just lost a loved one, etc draw a semi colon on your wrist. A semi colon represents a sentence the author could’ve ended but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.”
The key here was that your story isn’t over. The campaign became intensely popular with a number of people getting the semi colon tattoo.
Amy had three semicolon tattoos too: one on her left arm for her father, one on the back of her right leg in the memory of her best friend and a third one on her left arm, for herself.
After Amy started the movement, she told Washington Post in an interview that being the face of the project was healing for her too, even though she endured hate on social media and had some difficulty dealing with the expectations people had from her.
She asserted, however, that she felt she was able to make a difference in people’s lives. “I wanted to start a conversation that can’t be stopped and I believe I’ve done that,” she had said.
Amy lived in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She is survived by her husband.
After Amy’s death came to light about two days ago, reactions have poured in on social media.
Oh, @AmyBleuel I am crushed. @ProjSemicolon your story will live on. #RIP pic.twitter.com/VvkOpjUzLK
— Steve Austin (@iamsteveaustin) March 30, 2017
In memory #amybleuel #projectsemicolon pic.twitter.com/als93oJsiF
— Stacey Williams (@stacey4hope) March 30, 2017
A huge loss to the #MentalHealth world. RIP Amy Bleuel, thank you for your bravery ; pic.twitter.com/tHyPFdmCEM
— Gemma (@GemCals) March 30, 2017
to amy bleuel: thank you for teaching me that my story isnt over yet. you will be greatly missed. https://t.co/EDjsc6GBS9
— alison (@timeslowin) April 2, 2017
We are heartbroken to learn that Amy Bleuel (founder of @ProjSemicolon) has passed. Our hearts are with her and all of her loved ones (1/3)
— Outrun The Stigma (@outrunthestigma) March 29, 2017
Rest In Peace Amy Bleuel. To the woman who helped me and is continuing to help me realize my story isn't over yet. #projectsemicolon pic.twitter.com/AFTiYAvlq7
— Paige Toni Besser (@paigetonibesser) March 29, 2017
Your fight will live on... thank you@ProjSemicolon #AmyBleuel #notbroken #SuicidePrevention pic.twitter.com/BWGTbe3dWv
— Tracy L Weir (@MINITee) March 30, 2017