Tattoos are an incredibly personal choice; from remembering dead loved ones to commemorating cultural traditions and life events, Tattoos have many different meanings for different people.
Akinwande’s team developed an electronic tattoo that stimulates the skin with small electric currents while measuring changes in electrical resistance, providing continuous blood pressure monitoring.
Survivors of Suicide
Suicide survivors face their personal grief and often hurtful responses from family and friends. According to estimates, six or more people are directly impacted by every suicide death; survivors often find it challenging to open up about what has happened, fearing rejection or having their feelings dismissed by others.
Many survivors of suicide opt to have a semicolon tattoo as a reminder that there is hope beyond the darkness, along with adding an abstract butterfly wing as a symbolic representation of their growth and transformation into new people.
If you know someone who has survived suicide, be sensitive about the topic without passing judgment on their decisions. Ask if they would like to talk about the loss and listen carefully. If they prefer not to speak now, respect their wishes; everyone’s journey differs, and no one should feel pressured into opening up about themselves.
Survivors of Depression
Depression is a severe mental disorder requiring professional treatment for someone to live their lives fully and flourish. If you feel discouraged and hopeless for an extended period, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial to preserving your quality of life and ensuring maximum enjoyment from everyday activities.
Trauma survivors can be particularly susceptible to depression. These experiences, such as war injuries or natural disasters, may leave survivors feeling powerless over their situation and disillusioned about prospects. Depression may also be one of the symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
People with depression often find that speaking about their experiences helps reduce stigma and raise awareness. Some survivors get a semicolon tattoo to remember past struggles and recognize their strengths. This symbol could be inked on the wrist, ankle, neck, or foot to remind them that they once hit rock bottom but persevered and survived.
Survivors of Trauma
You are a trauma survivor if you have been exposed to physical or emotional trauma, whether escaping it or forced to endure it. Although its negative connotations might suggest otherwise, survival mechanisms stepped in at precisely the moment it was needed.
Trauma symptoms include flashbacks, elevated heart rates, and sweating. You may also feel low self-worth due to what happened, feeling guilty that something is wrong with you and believing there must be something wrong with you.
Reaching out to those with similar experiences can be immensely helpful. Yet, no one truly understands your position – we all come from different backgrounds and identities and have access to additional resources. A support group might also prove valuable as you can hear inspiring tales from others who have faced similar challenges.
