Idaho has one of the highest suicide rates in the country. In 2016, our state had the 8th highest suicide rate, which is 40% higher than the national average. On Wednesday the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline and Resurrected Tattoo & Piercing teamed up to host a fundraiser with the hopes of taking a permanent stand to lower the states suicide statistic.
The “the semi-colon in punctuation indicates an author could’ve ended the sentence but chose not too”… recently, semicolon tattoos have become increasingly popular for what they represent, “that’s a metaphor you could’ve chosen to end your life but you chose not too”.
People from all walks of life came to support the fundraiser keeping how they are affected by mental health stigmas and suicide close to heart. “This just is such a personal thing for the people getting them there’s just so much meaning behind it… to kinda create community and bring people together “ says Resurrected tattoo artist, Donna Carter.
For many people who got a semicolon tattoo today, they are reminded that their story is not yet over, “it’s kind of a reminder to me that every day I can make it through and everything’s going to be okay in the end”. These tattoos are not just for suicide survivors either…“ just in support of, you could’ve previously attempted and chose to live anybody we’re here to support suicide prevention and also just talk about awareness”.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 208-398-4357
