Getting a tattoo is no small thing, but Clay gets a semicolon (or at least tries) in the kickoff episode of xiii Reasons Why.

The idea is to evidence the impact of suicide, and information technology's linked to mental health awareness.

While Clay's is a fictional tattoo, the actual idea is a very real, and very important one.

Then much so, the cast also got the tattoo all because of what it stands for.

The tattoo might not be real on the show, merely in real life it has a powerful story behind it.

What is Projection Semi Colon?

The project is a movement started to empower people who suffer from depression or to evidence solidarity with those who have battled with mental health issues.

The timing of the tattoos is also poignant, every bit information technology comes not long after the project'due south founder Amy Bleuel. Amy had her ain xx-year struggle with mental illness, and started it to award her male parent, who killed himself.

The semicolon was chosen because a semicolon is used when the writer chooses to not end a sentence. "Y'all are the author and the sentence is your life. You are choosing to continue," Amy one time explained.

Alisha Boe, who plays Jessica in xiii Reasons Why, posted a photo of the tattoos and encouraged those who identify with Hannah Baker to go and encounter the Beyond the Reasons documentary.

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How it can help

Cast members and Selena Gomez, too as mental wellness professionals discuss the stigma attached to mental health and suicide as well as where to go for help.

Hannah Baker lays out the reasons why she killed herself (

Epitome:

Netflix)

Tommy'due south mail service also discussed how fundamental the Project Semi colon motility is in the discussion and shared his own personal reason for getting the tattoo.

"I struggled with habit and depression issues through high school and early college," he wrote. "I reached out and asked for help. At the time, I thought my life was over, I thought I'd never live past the age of 21. Today I'1000 grateful to be alive, in this new chapter of life in recovery, standing with my colleagues and friends, making fine art that helps other people."

The cast got the tattoos

Singer Selena Gomez has spoken about her own battle (

Image:

Getty)

Selena Gomez, who was executive producer on Netflix show thirteen Reasons Why, was also moved by its story, which focused on the suicide of teen Hannah Baker and what collection her to it.

Joined by cast members Alisha Boe and Tommy Dorfman, Gomez got a semi colon tattoo.

While pocket-sized the meaning backside it carries a lot of weight and makes a statement about mental wellness.

Gomez, who has been open up about her own mental health boxing, showed off the Project semi colon tattoos on instagram in a mail that explained the astonishing story behind them.

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Netflix's 13 Reasons Why season one

If you lot or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are people who can assistance. Delight visit www.samaritans.org and reach out for help.