“Your story is not over.” Project Semicolon is an organization dedicated to the prevention of suicide. Their work is based on the foundation and belief that suicide is preventable and everyone has a role in preventing suicide. So through raising public awareness, educating communities, and equipping every person with the right tools, they believe they can save lives. And most importantly, they have helped millions.

Ms. Pilar Padilla, the founder of the NAMI wellness club and therapist, has brought this great project into our campus.

“It says that you are willing to talk about it, it opens up those difficult conversations that you don’t necessarily always have,” she explains.

The purpose behind the project is all about allowing people to have a vast support network and be able to talk about what is going on in their lives. The foundation has a plethora of advice for those who acknowledge their suicidal feelings, and to those who are looking to help those in need of it. It lists places where help is available,  people you can turn to and why you should always have hope.

Whether you suffer from depression, anxiety, bullying of any variety, self esteem, relationships, death, trauma, rejection, addiction, suicide, body image, self harm, parents, eating disorders, providers, bipolar disorder, and many more; they are there to help. With information of how to overcome those hard times and feel better about everything, backed by medical research, practiced and tried practices. 

The most challenging part of seeking help is taking that first step to talk about it. Many find it too painful to talk about, don’t have the words, or perhaps their relationship with those around them is hostile. They give advice on how to make the bridge so that people can talk about it. 

There is always someone who is available to help;  parents, extended family, coaches, teachers, school counselors, anyone. Even if you find some may not be able to help they insist there is someone that will happily comfort you and talk to you about it.

 Even if you think your parents won’t be willing or able to help, it’s still worth a try to talk. People are often surprised by how much their parents rally by their side when they ask for help, even if the parents have a lot going on themselves. It’s very important to have somebody to talk to

Project Semicolon shows the way to change so that everyone can live the lives they deserve. That the pages in your story are only a chapter of your life, and your story is not over.