I am a lover of both tattoos and the workings of the English language. A firm believer in the importance of correct use of punctuation, the semicolon has always stuck out to me in the way that it is used in a sentence. The writer inserts a semicolon where a period would technically be able to separate two thoughts, joining those two related thoughts together. A few months ago, I decided to get a semicolon tattooed on my wrist with the reasoning behind it being that I can either end the "sentence" of my life here, or take a pause and keep going with it — my "sentence" isn't over yet. Even more recently, I came across Project Semicolon, a faith-based, non-profit movement that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, addiction and suicide, while providing support to those that are suffering from any of these issues.

The depression that I have battled over the course of my life has revealed its ugly head more intensely over the last couple of years, robbing me of a healthy mental state, relationships and friendships, my GPA and my natural love for life. I have considered the last year or so to be the start of a sort of healing process for myself and wanted to permanently mark my body with a reminder that no matter how unbearable everyday life may seem at times, it's only temporary, and my sentence — my story — isn't over yet.

I came across Project Semicolon a few weeks ago, months after I got my tattoo. I was completely shocked to read that the explanation behind the project is the exact same as my reasoning behind my ink.

"A semicolon represents a sentence the author could have ended, but chose not to. The sentence is your life and the author is you." — Project Semicolon

I now feel like I am part of a sort of community of support. As common as mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are, I feel like this is an issue that is not talked about nearly enough. I can tell you firsthand that it is one of life's hardest subjects to talk about, but open communication about it is crucial in order to make any sort of progress towards a healthy mentality.

In a world full of struggles and everyday stressors, getting through the next week, the next day, the next hour can seem impossible to someone suffering from depression, anxiety, or like I am, a combination of both. My purpose in writing this article is to raise awareness about Project Semicolon, mental health disorders and to let anyone who may read this know that, no matter what you are going through, no matter how small a problem it may seem like to someone else, no matter how hopeless or alone you may feel at times, you are not alone. There is an entire army fighting the same fight that you are every single day, and the importance lies in open communication and support.

Never stop fighting, your story isn't over yet.