Emotional message behind semi-colon tattoo and four others you didn't know the meaning of

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

When it comes to tattoos, there are any number of different meaning and significations that they might have.

While sometimes tattoos are just there because they look nice, sometimes they can have a specific significance for the person who has them.

This might include something dark for five dots, which signifies that someone has a particular experience in their past with four dots encircling one in the centre.

Then there might be something X-rated for a 'queen of spades' or black band tattoo, which can sometimes indicate a preference in partners for the person who is wearing it, even to the point of sometimes getting a temporary version.

As for the semicolon, this has a more sombre meaning, and is to do with a dark or difficult period in someone's life.

People often get the tattoo on their wrist (Susan L. Angstadt/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)

That's because a semicolon tattoo, with just the simple mark, is sometimes had by people who have previously struggled with suicidal ideation, depression, or even attempted suicide themselves.

By getting a semicolon, this a declaration that someone wants to still be here despite the difficulties that they've struggled through with their mental health.

But why would a simple punctuation mark come to represent something so deep and profound?

Well, to answer that it's time for an english lesson, so buckle up.

A semicolon is often used to join together two full clauses which are closely related in what they're about; this allows the writer to demonstrate that they are linked together while also providing a suitable break in the sentence.

Effectively, it's something which is a bit stronger than a comma, but not as strong as a colon or a full stop.

A semicolon means that a sentence isn't over yet (Susan L. Angstadt/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)

And that's the key part in why it's important when someone has had suicidal thoughts, or even attempted suicide; a semi-colon demonstrates that someone has more to say, more things to do, and more life to live.

This is a marked difference from a full stop, which indicates that something has come to a close.

A semicolon is a break point, but not one which has left things finished for good, a poetic and defiant way for someone to communicate that they're not done yet.

And a semicolon isn't the only design which might be associated with mental health either.

Another might be a butterfly, indicating transformation into a new phase of life, or even the chemical compound for serotonin, the chemical responsible for feelings of happiness.

Tattoos can also be a way for people who have self-harmed to cover up their scars, either so they're not reminded of a bad time, or for privacy so that others can't see them.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123 or contact Harmless by visiting their website https://harmless.org.uk.