In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, Weyburn’s Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) with Under Your Skin Tattoos is bringing back the popular Semi-Colon Tattoo Event.  Due to COVID restrictions, the fundraiser has not been held since 2019.  Normally the event takes place in May during Mental Health Week. 

Throughout the years, semi-colon tattoos have increased in popularity, but why has the semi-colon become a symbol of courage and perseverance?    

In a sentence, the semi-colon represents a specific point where the author could have chosen to end it but chose not to.   The sentence represents life, with all the twists and turns and ups and downs.  The semi-colon represents a pivotal moment in one’s life, and like the author who chose to move forward with the sentence because the story wasn’t over, the semi-colon represents the individual who chose the courage to continue because their life’s story was not over.   

“We started the Semi-Colon Tattoo event in 2016, they (Under Your Skin Tattoos) have done four events thus far, so this is going to mark their 5th Annual Semi-Colon Tattoo Event,” explained Tasha Collins, Program Director for Weyburn Branch CMHA. 

“This year we are hosting it during September, World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10, and we are hosting this event as close to September 10 as we can, to raise awareness and raise some funds for our branch,” continued Collins. 

This event normally sells out, for those wishing to get a semi-colon tattoo they can call the CMHA office at (306)842-7959 to reserve their spot.  All tattoos are $50, and a $30 deposit is required, there are limited spots available.