Getting a tattoo to commemorate loved ones lost to suicide or to highlight suicide prevention can be a powerful statement of remembrance and support. Tattoos serve as constant reminders of the messages of hope, resilience, and solidarity with those affected by suicide. Here are five tattoo designs that symbolize suicide prevention awareness:
The Semicolon
The semicolon has become a widespread symbol for mental health and suicide prevention. Initiated by Project Semicolon, this symbol represents an author’s choice to continue a sentence rather than end it. Here’s how you can use it in a tattoo:
- A simple black or colored semicolon on the wrist or behind the ear for a minimalist approach.
- A combination of the semicolon with a meaningful phrase like “Keep Going” or “You Are Enough.”
- An elaborate design where the semicolon becomes part of a larger, perhaps narrative, artwork.
💡 Note: The tattoo's placement is personal, but many choose areas easily visible to themselves or others as a daily reminder or conversation starter.
A Butterfly
Butterflies symbolize transformation, rebirth, and the fragility of life, which aligns with the themes of mental health and suicide prevention:
- A single butterfly with wings open, representing freedom from the confines of depression or anxiety.
- A monarch butterfly often linked with strength, courage, and overcoming adversity.
- Butterfly and flowers, signifying growth, transformation, and hope.
Inked Ribbons
Ribbons are universally recognized symbols for support and awareness, commonly used in mental health campaigns:
- A teal ribbon for suicide prevention awareness, which can be stylized in various forms.
- Ribbon combined with quotes, names, or meaningful dates to personalize the tattoo.
| Symbol | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Teal Ribbon | Teal | Suicide Prevention Awareness |
| Green Ribbon | Green | Mental Health Awareness |
| Purple Ribbon | Purple | Survivors of Suicide |
A Light Bulb
Light bulbs can symbolize enlightenment, ideas, and the removal of darkness, which can be metaphorically linked to mental health struggles:
- A light bulb tattoo with a filament forming a heart, representing the idea that love and support can bring light back into someone’s life.
- Incorporating the words “Illuminate Hope” or “Switch on Love” inside or near the bulb.
🌟 Note: When choosing ink colors, consider how they fade over time; bright colors often retain their vibrancy longer.
Angel Wings
Angel wings can represent guardianship, protection, and the afterlife, making them a poignant choice for those who have lost loved ones:
- Wings on the back for a guardian angel theme or to represent a lost loved one watching over you.
- Small angel wings with a loved one’s name or date of passing.
These tattoo designs not only serve as personal reminders but also raise awareness and foster conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and support for those who are struggling. Each tattoo is a step toward breaking the stigma surrounding these issues.
Remembering those we've lost and supporting those who are still here, these tattoos become symbols of hope, healing, and a commitment to understand and address mental health. Whether you choose a minimalist design or an elaborate piece of art, each one tells a story of perseverance, remembrance, and the fight against suicide.
What is the significance of a semicolon tattoo?
+
The semicolon tattoo signifies that life continues; it’s a mark of solidarity with those who struggle with mental health issues, a reminder that their story isn’t over, and encouragement to keep fighting.
Why are butterflies often used in suicide prevention tattoos?
+
Butterflies symbolize transformation, freedom, and the beauty of life. They represent the journey through darkness and the emergence into a new phase of existence, much like the battle with mental health and suicide prevention.
How do ribbon tattoos relate to suicide prevention?
+
Ribbon tattoos, especially in the colors representing mental health and suicide prevention (teal, green, purple), are symbols of support, remembrance, and the call to action for awareness and prevention efforts.
What does a light bulb tattoo signify?
+
A light bulb tattoo can symbolize the illumination of hope, the birth of new ideas, and the fight against mental darkness. It’s about bringing light to mental health conversations and representing enlightenment through understanding and support.
What does an angel wing tattoo symbolize in suicide prevention?
+
Angel wings often represent protection, remembrance, and the eternal soul, symbolizing the presence of loved ones lost to suicide, or as a reminder that support and love are always with you.
