If you haven’t already heard of it, Project Semicolon was developed by Amy Bleuel as a non-profit movement dedicated to providing hope, encouragement, inspiration and love for those struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. As quoted by The Mighty, Amy explained the motto behind the project: “In literature, an author uses a semicolon to not end a sentence but to continue on… we see it as you are the author and your life is the sentence. You’re choosing to keep going”.
Four years ago (2013) on April 6th, she started a call out on social media asking anyone who has struggled (or is struggling) with mental health/illness, self harm, a relationship break up, the loss of a loved one, etc., to draw a semicolon on their wrist in the name of the motto mentioned above. It soon became viral – so viral that thousands of people weren’t just drawing the semicolon, but were actually getting tattoos of it!
We were heartbroken to learn that Amy died by suicide just a few days ago. In her short life, she touched an incalculable number of people and that legacy will continue far beyond her time here on earth. We must remember that even the most inspirational advocates may still very much be struggling. People underestimate the pressure, stress, and energy that it takes to be a mental health advocate when you have mental illness yourself. It can be easy to neglect your needs in the process and this can often lead to burnout.
Please reach out for help if you need it, and don’t be afraid to ask for more support if you aren’t getting what you need.
You can download our free app, Be Safe, on iPhone or Android to figure out what kind of help you need and it will direct you to relevant resources in your area and across Ontario.
As well, here is a directory of crisis resources in each province across Canada: Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
Rest in peace Amy, you will be missed and your legacy will be eternal.