Semi-colon tattoo

[Anonymous]

I just got an X-ray done and the tech had a semi colon tattoo on her wrist. That is the first time I saw someone with one. I immediately felt compassion to her and I was not sure if I should say something, like “I’m glad you are still here” or “is everything ok now” or something like that. Or, is it none of my business? What is appropriate?

[Anonymous]

Nothing wrong with saying nothing.

[Anonymous]

Wow way to read into things

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't have said anything. No one wants to talk about their mental health with a stranger.

[Anonymous]

Yes it makes no sense to advertise if you're not looking for attention on the (sad) issue yet it seems tacky/inappropriate to say anything in response. I think you described how most would feel in this situation, OP.

[Anonymous]

Just because someone has a semi colon tattoo doesn't mean they tried to kill themselves. It shows awareness.

Simply say, I like your tattoo. You never know, maybe they will start up a conversation with you and you might meet your new best friend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't have said anything. No one wants to talk about their mental health with a stranger.

+1. No one wants to talk about their tattoos with strangers either.

[Anonymous]

Most folks with the semi colon tattoo are ok. They are proud and it's very popular for those that have had the issues and have healed thru surgery.

[Anonymous]

No way to know why they had a semi colon tattoo. Everyone in my family has one yet only one of us has mental health issues.

People ask us about them all the time. The most provocative question is whether it has special meaning. But it’s fine to ignore as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most folks with the semi colon tattoo are ok. They are proud and it's very popular for those that have had the issues and have healed thru surgery.

Huh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just because someone has a semi colon tattoo doesn't mean they tried to kill themselves. It shows awareness.

Simply say, I like your tattoo. You never know, maybe they will start up a conversation with you and you might meet your new best friend.

This, or nothing. Either works.

[Anonymous]

You could ask her about it, or just not say anything. Could be a member of her family and not her.

This is a big reason I don't have tattoos which are visible in work clothes.

[Anonymous]

What does this mean? I thought it meant a winking face or someone had half their colon tattooed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What does this mean? I thought it meant a winking face or someone had half their colon tattooed.

It means they tried to commit suicide or contemplated it and decided to keep on living. I didn’t know it had anything to do with awareness as a PP stated but maybe that’s it too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just got an X-ray done and the tech had a semi colon tattoo on her wrist. That is the first time I saw someone with one. I immediately felt compassion to her and I was not sure if I should say something, like “I’m glad you are still here” or “is everything ok now” or something like that. Or, is it none of my business? What is appropriate?

You seem like a really nice person, OP!