semicolon tattoo

[helpls]

I've been considering getting this tattoo for a very long time, as I think I really resonate with the meaning of this tattoo. however, I've been struggling with where I want the tattoo to be placed at. Should I place it on my right wrist, where it is open and everyone can see it, or my left wrist, where it can be more hidden with a watch? I know this may sound trivial, considering all the other topics being discussed on this forum, but I'm just not sure if I am making the correct decision. Part of me really wants it to be on my right wrist, as I no longer want to feel like I am constantly hiding my past like a secret I cannot tell anyone. I also want to put it at an obvious location to act as a constant reminder to myself that I can always choose to continue living.

But what if people who do not believe in mental health in general sees the tattoo? I've told friends before that I'm seeing a counsellor and their response made me realise that mental health is still a very taboo and well-avoided topic. Their responses ranged from a long uninterested silence to the (in my opinion worst) "okay, and?" question, and as someone who finally decided to trust a counsellor and seek help after a few years, it made me realise that outsiders probably don't see seeking help as a huge step and I'm a lot more wary about telling people about anything now. What if I get judged just because of a tattoo?

 

[ThatStateOfMind]

In my personal opinion, I think you should get it. In life, you will constantly be judged regardless of who you are, what you do, even stuff as superficial as the price of clothes. I think life is wayyy too short (in the grand scheme) to worry about what others think of a tattoo. Judgement is inevitable and worrying too much about others opinions can hold you back from personal expression. If It has personal significance to you, that's what matters most as it speaks to your journey and values. At the end of the day, that tattoo can be a strong reminder of your own strength, and it's okay to make that statement, regardless of external opinions :)

 

[blackbeauty]

Oh wow, I never actually knew about what the semi-colon symbol represented and looking into some of the designs they all look pretty cool and beautiful! I second the above comment, and this specific tattoo is such a powerful symbol and it's something to be proud of, showing your new beginning!

I'm intrigued to know what kind of design you are thinking of getting?

 

[depressioncanfucoff]

I'm not great on tattoos, but I have a semicolon on my left wrist (where my scars are). I think it helps people feel less alone, and that is way more important than any judgement an ignorant person throws your way.

As for placement I think the more visible better! Not that you should feel pressured, you are mostly getting it for yourself, but at least personally I can say whenever I see one on a stranger on the street, it makes me feel better

 

[nutshelf]

i think its a beautiful sign of overcoming hardships that one would never usually speak about. if you get judged because of such a sign, maybe you shouldn't deem that judgement as valid. you know what you went through internally. i think its good to keep a reminder that you succeeded over and over again, despite everything.

 

[helpls]

okay, thanks for all the input I'll keep all these in mind when I get it next year

Oh wow, I never actually knew about what the semi-colon symbol represented and looking into some of the designs they all look pretty cool and beautiful! I second the above comment, and this specific tattoo is such a powerful symbol and it's something to be proud of, showing your new beginning!

I'm intrigued to know what kind of design you are thinking of getting?

i havent decided on the design yet, but at the moment I'm just thinking of getting a simple semicolon design. Maybe in the future I might add other symbols to it if I resonate with them, like e.g. i know some people add a heart to it as it insinuates that they are continuing on for the people they love.

 

[savory]

I had to Google this because I had no idea the semicolon is a symbol for mental health awareness etc. Like at all and likely a lot of people dont. So I say get the tattoo on your right wrist because that seems ideal for you. When people ask you why you got a semicolon tatt, you can decide then how much you want to share. You can lie or be vague; maybe you just like grammar and using the semicolon lol