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Show 27, 2011 iNEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER - DIXIESUNNEINS.COM 1; ...0. Semicolon tattoo represents 'beacon of holi6 BY RYANN HEINLEN AvereeRHeinlen To select individu- als, a semicolon is more than a way to continue a sentence and more of a symbol of perseverance and survival. The semicolon is now a symbol of life for those who thought they couldn't survive any longer and a beacon of hope for those still struggling. "It takes a different and special kind of strength to be driven to the edge and step away from the opportunity," said Megan Petrie, a sophomore criminal justice major from Las Vegas. Although the symbol itself is small, the meaning behind the punctuation is larger than life. A semicolon is used in writing to signify a place where a sentence could have stopped, but the writer decided to keep going by combining two independent clauses with cohesive thoughts. The semicolon represents a life which could have ended, but the individual decided to keep going. "We are the authors of our own stories," said Abigail O'neill, a junior elementary education major from North Ogden. "We write our own chapters and choose our own character traits." O'neill is a advocate for 5 - o c cn semicolon tattoo is laced inside a heartbeat line on Maitlyn Johnson, a sophomore integrated studies major from Bountiful, representing that life keeps going. The semicolon tattoo is seen as a beacon of hope or a symbol of life for those who have struggled with suicidal thoughts. A the normalization of mental health and has worked with troubled youth. There has been a wave of semicolon tattoos and markings due to a suicide awareness campaign launched in recent years. Project Semicolon was founded in 2013 by the late Amy Bleuel who for 20 years struggled with bullying, mental illness and deaths of close friends and family. it The organization raises awareness about mental health and helps to education communities on resources available and steps to take if put in a life or death situation. O'neill said she has looked into getting the tattoo and wants to get it in the future because of the message it sends and the conversations it can start. "Mental illness is very common in our society, but it's also very hard to detect," O'neill said. "We, as a society, need to be more educated and know the signs. What exactly are disorders and what do they do to a person? People need to be informed." Petrie has seen her friends and family with the semicolon and urges others to seek help if they need it. "If someone is struggling with mental health, it will get better," Petrie non-prof- paring yourself to are only showing you altered versions of their lives, the comparison isn't realistic. SOCIAL MEDIA continued from page 7 "I think just viewing all posts with an understanding that most people are simply trying to always put their best foot forward is very helpful in preventing negative self evaluations based off comparisons to others." Orton said she is aware most of her friends' Instagram said. "Talk to someone and seek help because everyone is willing to help you." Over the years, the semicolon has evolved to fit each individual in regards to art. New versions of the semicolon tattoo continue to pop up on the internet daily, reinforcing the originality of each person and the meaning behind Project Semicolon. "Depending on the design and simplicity of the semicolon, it starts at about $60," said Joshua Pickering, resident tattoo artist at the Zion Tattoo Company. Pickering said the shop has done quite a few semicolon tattoos of different colors, sizes and designs. "They were probably a bit more popular a year ago, but they're definitely still around," Pickering said. "It's hard to say how many we've done." No matter the amount of time that passes, Pickering said the message remains the same and stronger than ever. "It symbolizes a point in someone's story where the sentence could've ended but didn't," Pickering said. "That's an important mark in someone's life, and a tattoo is a great way to celebrate." Follow accounts that uplift you Follow empowering accounts. Following users who show real people or those who post uplifting content can turn your dreary timeline into something a bit more positive. Some of my favorite Insta- gram accounts are Humans of New York, Girlboss and Positive Vibes Quotes. pictures are photoshopped, and she is always wary when thinking about comparing herself. "Humans are incredibly social creatures, and we really strive off of having good social support and close relationships," Orton said. "Social sites seem to enhance social connection, but with the way that people portray their lives on the intemet, the social connection is often overshadowed by the misleading posts and dc ru stc oc or cc ye Set a time limit for social media sites Limit your time on social media. This is easy to say but hard to do; however, the next time you feel the urge to go on your cellphone or computer, try picking up a book instead, or maybe go on a walk. Set a limit on how often you are on social media platforms each day. sh sal Nc 9,C 20 Ne Ica chi wa A firs Ne stir Cut ties with negative friends photographs people post." Social media can be useful when connecting with friends who don't live close, or when trying to gain knowledge about various topics, but you have to understand how to properly control your social media use. C Unfollow negative friends. Don't cut out all the negative in t people you follow because it's important to keep in touch with what real life is like, but FA CO t if you follow those people who constantly complain about how terrible the world is, cut them off. par pro Don't get on social media bre Don't follow accounts just to compare yourself If you find yourself following models, celebrities, or people you don't know just because they are beautiful and live luxurious lives, then disconnect with them. Comparing yourself to others can be destmctive, and when those people you are corn g mindlessly Engage with a purpose. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your social media timelines, try to gain information relevant to your life or at least gain some knowledge each time you log on. cus you aud buy Jan non SUP! - iity- Question. Persuade. Rer:er:4 the 3 simple steps anyone can 1,1arn to help save a life from suicide. k , 1 Early Recognition of suicide: The Often times, the simple offering of hope and social and spiritual support can avert a suicide attempt entirely. Early QPR: Asking someone about the presence of suicidal thoughts and feelings opens up a conversation that may lead to a referral for help. Early intervention and referral: Referral to local resources or calling for evaluation and possible referral is critical. 8 , Early Advanced Life Support: As with any illness, early detection and treatment results in better outcomes. A Warning Signs: t, if BY RACHEL CARTER INS crg sooner warning signs are detected and help sought, the better the outcome of a suicidal crisis will be. e than time QPR is an emergency mental health intervention for suicidal individuals ated in 1995 by Paul Quinnett. ti John Green's 'Turtles All the Way Down' is finally hereprOC In QPR, the general public is educated about the known warning signs of a suicide crisis: expressions of hopelessness, depression, giving away prized possessions, talking of suicide, securing lethal means, and then taught how to respond. Source: cwrinstitute.com Fans have been waiting five years for young adult author John Green to publish a new book, and now the wait is finally over. His new novel, "Turtles All the Way Down," comes out Oct. 10. Green's last book, "The Fault in Our Stars," became an international sensation and a hit movie starring Shailene Wood ley and Ansel Elgort. Focusing on teens falling in love as they struggle with cancer, the novel reached the kind of popularity that most authors only dream of. In addition to being an g author, he's also one half of the crazy popular YouTube channel, the vlogbrothers, which he runs with his brother Hank. If you're a fan of Green, then this novel is a Big. Deal. It also promises to deliver on the classic Green cocktail: using humor and likable characters to dive into serious and sensitive topics. The story is about Aza, a who struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder. Aza and her best friend set out to find a reclusive billionaire, with plenty of adventures along the way. The title, in true John Green fashion, refers to a philosophical concept that's used to explain the award-winnin- cosmological theory of the infinite regress problem. We'll just trust Green knows what that all means. The fictional book is also personal for Green, who announced in a press release that, "this is my first attempt to write directly about the kind of mental illness that has affected my life since childhood." As far as we're concerned, Oct. 10 can't come soon enough. But in the meantime, we're diving into three young adult novels that explore themes similar to "Turtles." Check out these titles while you're waiting for the new Green book to finally hit shelves. friends. But both struggle with their inner life in a way that's immediately familiar. her capricious, and some- - part times cruel, group of friends. cust, When she meets fellow teen Caroline, Sam is instantly this drawn into her world, includ- - fres1 a aim ing the Poet's Comer secret society for misfits and ;om artists. Now Sam has more 'Th( than just her OCD to hide 'arm from her popular friends, orri even as she starts to find a If home in poetry and in the vhat g Al. 'arm sensitive, But a shocking twist in the vatc narrative makes it clear that er Sam is struggling with more rhur than she lets on, rocking her world and making her question everything. (c)20 17 BookTrib. "Every Last Word" by Tamara Ireland Stone Stone's novel also tackles the subject of obsessive compulsive disorder, and how it affects the life of teen Samantha. Her Purely Obsessional OCD takes the form of dark thoughts that she can't shake, obsessive fears and worries that consume her mind. But as one of the most popular girls in her class, Sam struggles with how to hide her inner obsessions from guitar-playin- -- . -E "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon This story focuses on a teen struggling to find her place in the world. Lonely and isolated, she finds solace in a beloved teacher who shares her love of books and stories. But when that teacher dies in a sudden accident, it rocks Sparrow's fragile sense of self. Now even more isolated, she turns to a comfort she's always been able to rely on the birds she idolizes and the roof of the school where she can watch them fly. , - -- - Ge( 3oul, elevi vhen -- uke ,.. '' li 1 1, I .". ,,,4e ' arnii ,...'.. , I e I 1 A 4 isb Of , 11 ,.. 4 , . A f. , 1,-- But or hc i as kBC ,,.., . easol t i ,''"' ,! "Kat and Meg Conquer the World" by Anna Priemaza This is about two friends who discover kindred spirits in each other. Kat and Meg are teens who seem like polar opposites, Kat is an introvert who prefers to be alone, while Meg loves being sunounded by family and ,,,,, ; ,,- ,- i.' i - i , , -. , f ,'' ,I 4.N , 11 ti f !Cigricd C()1).11 .t, - ,,,, f 1 '- ' , . , '. I h.'''', .c'j f ,...- , ,,, r , ,,;,,,,,,.,- - ' I ...,--- --- ,,, --, .,...,-- A,....,3... I I ,11' fit I , t i ,,( ',......--0 '''' i t : , i i t41 cn -,, irt 4C; z- c-- - . ..,. I e vith ti n - , 1 njoy( the he seJ or at In r, i ! toll' i ore "It's onsta as be eople ( LBC Icky 1 |