Project Semicolon Founder Amy Bleuel Dies at 31

Amy Bleuel wanted to honor her father’s passing, after he died due to suicide. She settled on a potent symbol to help express the hope when a life is saved — the semicolon. It is a symbol of the perseverance that comes from grappling with mental illness. Sadly, Bleuel lost her own battle with depression last Thursday, March 23. She was 31. In 2015, Bleuel told The Mighty in an interview, “In literature, an author uses a semicolon to not end a sentence but to continue on. We see it as you are the author and your life is the sentence. You’re choosing to keep going.” The hope shared by Project Semicolon’s founder is captured by the organization’s reminder, “Your story isn’t over.” The semicolon represents the continuation of your life after struggling with thoughts of suicide and death, which are a common component of clinical depression. Bleuel hailed from Green Bay, Wisconsin and started Semicolon Project in 2013, as a faith-based nonprofit organization. Its mission is to inspire and encourage people who live with mental health concerns, fostering hope and empowerment. The project was a strong testament to the significant impact a single person with vision and hope can have on others. Bleuel’s own battle with depression began at an early age, when she was 8 years old, and included grappling with anxiety and self-harm. In addition to depression, she also lived through sexual assault and abuse growing up, contributi...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Depression General Grief and Loss Policy and Advocacy Suicide Amy Bleuel Bleuel obituary Major Depressive Disorder Project Semicolon Source Type: blogs