How the Semicolon is Raising Awareness for Mental Health

Semicolon AwarenessA semicolon is defined as “a punctuation mark indicating a pause, typically between two main clauses, that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma,” but over the last five years, the once under-used punctuation mark, has taken on a much deeper meaning as it has become a national phenomenon.

In the form of tattoos, and being displayed on everything from t-shirts to keychains, the semicolon has become a symbol of perseverance, of continuance, and of hope and solidarity. Giving credence to its original intended purpose, this symbol has grown to re-introduce its importance in the form of a beacon of strength for suicide awareness proclaiming that, even through the darkest of times, the sentence hasn’t ended yet – there still more life to live.

While it’s much more than just another option during an inking session, the showing of support has increased over time by way of tattoos, and isn’t only sported by those directly affected by mental illness or suicide.

As of 2016, the age group most affected, statistically, by suicide is the 45 to 54 age group, but it continues to be within the top 10 causes of death in the US alone, affecting every demographic and age group to varying extents, and claiming the lives of nearly 45,000 people each year, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s most recent statistics.

Much like the amount of semicolon tattoos and other forms of support, the amount of lives that this show of support has saved is innumerable. If there’s someone you know who’s struggling with the thought of suicide, reach out to them and let them know it’s not over yet.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.

Show your support for loved ones struggling with mental illness or the thought of suicide by wearing the semicolon during mental health awareness month, or anytime! Click image below to shop our selection of Semicolon t-shirts and gifts, and help spread awareness!

Semicolon Awareness Products

Share

Autism Awareness Temporary Tattoos

autism awareness temporary tattoos

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we’re featuring some of our favorite Autism temporary tattoos! These tattoos are perfect for Autism walks, fundraising events, or anytime to spread awareness and show support. Check out our selection below, or click here to shop the full selection of Autism Temporary Tattoos.

The Autism Lost and Found Temporary Tattoo is an important safety tool for children with Autism who may tend to wander. This design can be personalized with your phone number in case you get separated from your child. These tattoos can also be edited with any text, so they can be used for anyone on a school field trip, family vacation or other event.

The Autism Medical Alert Tattoo below can be helpful for autistic youth or adults. These are perfect for trips or other situations where you may want a cell number or other contact information listed, like a temporary hotel or other residence.

Colorful puzzle designs on Autism Awareness Ribbons, hearts, puzzle pieces, and sayings such as “I love someone with Autism”

Beautiful puzzle design on colorful butterflies in two different sizes.

Adorable black and white dog holding a colorful Autism Awareneness Ribbon with a colorful puzzle design.

Click here to see more Autism Temporary Tattoos or check out our full selection of Autism Awareness Products, including t-shirts, buttons, stickers, hats, and more!

Share

Call On Your Spirit

Call on your spirit

Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue.
Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic.

~ Tim Noakes

Share

Today is a New Day

Today is a New Day

Today is a new day. Fresh start!
Think happy thoughts, exercise, drink lots of water.
Don’t just eat, fuel your body.
Be Healthy & Happy!

 

Share

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBreast Cancer is arguably the most commonly known form of cancer. There are foundations upon foundations supporting the cause and boosting awareness around the world, there are products (like the ever-recognizable pink ribbon) that raises awareness and shows support for those dealing with the illness, and even NFL players take their own stand in the fight by donning Pink sweatbands, gloves, and shoes on the field during the month of October. But underneath all of the publicity and outcry for support, and the never-ending search for a cure, there are some absolutely jaw-dropping statistics. Let’s take a look at some of those figures…

Did you know that Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the US? That is just over 12% of the female population in the country! Breast Cancer, whether invasive or non-invasive (We will take a look at the difference between those in a minute…), largely affects women between the ages of 60 and 69, with an absolute risk of 1 in 28 women. While breast cancer rates have decreased drastically since 2000, with the rate dropping 7% between 2000 and 2003 alone, an estimate of 232,340 new invasive breast cancer cases were expected to diagnosed in women in 2013. Invasive Breast Cancer is when the cancer spreads to the normal, healthy tissue, while non-invasive cancer stays within the milk duct and lobules of the breast, and doesn’t invade normal tissues within or beyond the breast.

Some risk factors that you can control to try and dodge breast cancer by acting on are watching your weight and changing your diet (Studies show that consuming more cholesterol-filled foods increase the risk of breast cancer), exercising regularly (It is recommended to engage in 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity 5 or more days a week), watching your alcohol intake, not smoking, exposure to estrogen, recent oral contraceptive use, and stress and anxiety. Some factors that you can’t control are your gender, age, family and personal history of the disease, race, and radiation therapy to the chest.

While some symptoms may be difficult for you to spot on your own, some signs you can watch for are swelling of all or part of the breast, skin irritation, dimpling, pain in your breast, nipple pain (or the nipple turning inward), a nipple discharge other than breast milk, or a lump in the area under your arm (your armpit, if you will). While there are no medically accepted forms of cancer treatment, as with any other type of cancer, Mammograms (x-rays of the breast) are recommended annually, with check ups suggested more often as you increase in age, especially after age 50. This is when routine mammograms should start happening.

Wear the pink ribbon to show support for our mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, friends, and all of the warriors and survivors of Breast Cancer, and remembrance for those who have lost the battle with Breast Cancer. Get our beautiful Breast Cancer pink ribbon designs on shirts, hats, tote bags, necklaces, stickers, and more!

Shop our selection of pink ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Products

Share

Bullying Awareness

Bullying Awareness

Unfortunately, bullying is an issue we have all had to deal with at one time or another. What is maybe most troubling is, victims of bullying aren’t just one certain group. It is a mass destruction that affects all shapes, sizes, races and creeds.

Bullying also comes in different forms. When you think of the word itself, “Bullying” might paint a picture in your head of a scenario in a schoolyard, or while a kid walks home from the YMCA, but there are also cases of bullying at places like your workplace, as well. Under no circumstance should bullying be tolerated. It hurts not just the victim, but it gives the one who gives it out a bad reputation, which in turn could hurt their future.

Which is why we need to bring awareness to it.

School bullying is statistically the most prominent form of bullying. It is estimated that every 1 in 4 kids are victims of school bullying, and in about 85% of these cases, no measure is taken to put a stop to it. That is possibly the most troubling aspect of this growing problem. It is estimated that 77% of bullying cases is verbal bullying, mental bullying, or even verbal abuse. This could mean putting someone down for their race, their gender, or their sexual orientation, among many others. It is also estimated that roughly 14% of kids have a severe reaction to being bullied, which means low self-esteem, depression, or even, sadly, suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Another form is one that has grown with the development of social media, and that is cyberbullying. It is estimated that about 80% of all high school students have encountered bullying of some kind online. And most kids might see it as just teasing or another kid being rude, but if you see something with the marks of bullying of any type, you may not think so, but you have the power to stop it. Don’t let the chances you may have to say something slip away, because there may be someone too scared, or even proud, to ask for your help.

Reach out to those who are being bullied, because no matter who it is, it isn’t a good experience. You can be the difference. You can be the change.

Show your support and help spread awareness with our selection of Bullying Awareness T-shirts and Gifts.

Share

Dance in the Rain

Dance in the rain

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Great inspirational quote to help you through the tough times!

Share

Addiction Recovery Awareness

Addiction Recovery Awareness

It’s something that has hurt countless individuals, as well as their loved ones. It has brought those who struggle with it to the bottom. It’s only one, simple, small word.

….Addiction.

In the U.S. alone, roughly 17.6 Million people, that’s about 1 in every 12 adults, are substance abusers. But it doesn’t solely affect the abuser themselves. It affects those around them, as well.

In 2010, it was estimated that 10,228 people died in drunk and drugged driving crashes, and another 27 people die every day in America as result of driving under the influence. It’s a terrible occurrence, but it can be helped. If there is someone you know who is dealing with substance abuse, please reach out to them, as you may be saving more than one life.

In 2011, drug-related deaths exceeded traffic deaths, as reported by ABC. It was estimated that drug-overdoses and long-term drug abuse resulted in roughly 37,485 deaths. The majority of these deaths had come from overdoses on painkillers.

There are 12-Step programs, NA meetings, AA meetings and rehabilitation centers, as well as organizations such as M.A.D.D and D.A.R.E where you can find information on helping those around you who are struggling with this disease, as well as give you the ability to prevent it from happening in the future.

Many of us have seen the effects of substance abuse in loved ones, and it pains us deeply to see them hurt themselves the way they do. Help spread awareness and show support for those affected by addiction. Check out our selection of inspirational designs in our Addiction Recovery T-shirts and Gifts shop section.

Share