Although there may be many different health issues that we face in our life, one that is common among many people is depression. It can happen to anyone at any time and it affects millions of people around the world in ways that most of us cannot even imagine. Some people suffer with it silently and others stand up to be heard.
A 31-year-old woman from Wisconsin, Amy Bleuel, was one of those who stood up for others who were dealing with depression. She founded Project Semicolon, which is a campaign that was followed by thousands people worldwide. Those individuals had a tattoo of a semicolon permanently put onto their body as a symbol for individuals who suffer from mental health problems. Their stories are those who have yet to be told.
Unfortunately, the founder of this campaign has been found dead at the age of 31. Like many people who battle with depression, she continued to struggle with it throughout her entire life. Amy died as a result of suicide and she was only 31 years of age. After dedicating her life to fighting the stigma that is associated with mental health, she had such a tragic illness into her life. The impact that she had on people as a result of this campaign is immeasurable, and she still continues to inspire others, even after she is gone.
When you take a look at Amy’s final post on Facebook, it reveals her attitude toward openness about battling depression.
“Depression takes root when the picture of the past is more powerful than the picture of the future.”
Amy had a struggle with mental illness for more than 20 years and has experienced the stigma along with it. She lost her father to suicide in 2003.
The chairman of the Brown County coalition for suicide prevention, Jeff Stroman, has previously worked with Amy. He says her loss is felt tremendously both by him and the community.
Our thoughts are with Amy’s family as they go through this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
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