It's on the back of my neck, in the tiniest placement, and can only be seen if my hair is in a high ponytail or bun. I didn't realize that there would be lots of people who didn't understand the concept, until I wore my hair up to work one day. It filled me with joy to know that random strangers were wondering what the symbol meant for me.

There is a wonderful thing called the Semicolon Project. (Their motto: your story is not over.) "A semicolon is used when an author could've ended a sentence but chose not to. You are the author and the sentence is your life." Their mission statement is presenting hope and love for those who are struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction and self injury.

I didn't know that this existed until a couple weeks later, after I had gotten the tattoo on my neck.

For me, this tiny little placement of proper grammar on my skin meant the world to me.

I like explaining it to people who haven't gone through these things, as a war inside your own head. Depression controls you. It's that monster under your bed that even your parents can't get rid of. It's the bad dream that still continues to play even when you wake up. It constantly wants to win.

For me, the semicolon reminds me of the time I almost let it win. It doesn't remind me in the sad way you may think, but in a different one. It reminds me that every single moment after that, would never have happened if I was not here. That in that moment, I was brave and didn't let my depression or anxiety win.

The first people that asked at work was a couple probably in their 50s. I reminded them of the placement a semicolon does in a sentence. They nodded their heads of course. Then I went to explain how at some point in my life I thought of ending "a sentence" but continued to move on. They looked at me with a smile my mother has when she's so proud of me. Then they said, "We are so glad you decided to continue your story. We are so proud you are here."

For others, their semicolon may be for someone they love, for themselves or even just to promote love and hope for others struggling.

It's a conversation that should be had, a stigma that needs to be removed.

The next time you see someone with this inked on their skin, know that whatever the outcome, they are here. We are all human. You are never alone. There are people out there that believe in you. Recognize that you are you, and no one can replace you. You are so strong. You have so much more strength than you think you do, trust me.

Sure, people have hurt you and you may have even hurt yourself, and you may feel you can't go on but you are not alone.

If you are going through struggles or know anyone going through these struggles, contact profession help or these help hotlines.

NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group (800)-826-3632

Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline- (630)-482-9696

U.S suicide hotline- (800)-784-2433

You are so loved.