Mental Illness: A Growing Problem In America
As mental illness rates continue to rise, the issue remains a mostly invisible one.
Everyone seems to talk about all other issues, except for mental health. An American takes his or her own life every 13 minutes nowadays. In a single year, that tally reaches a cumulative 40,000 Americans. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention notes that most suicide victims suffered from diagnosable disorders.
Suicide is even the 10th most common cause of death in the country.
Even though such a preventable cause of death should be fought against, we remain silent on the problem. Issues like STDs and even homicide are commonplace on television. For whatever reason, mental health topics seem to bring out the pitchforks for the whistleblower on such problems.
An invisible problem can only worsen, and thats going to be the case for depression, self-harm, suicide, and other mental health topics.
The cause of increasing rates of mental illnesses is not exactly know, but major factors include biological, genetics and environmental factors and physical activity says Steve Frazier from Elliptical Consumers.
When Should A Patient Get An Endoscopic Tattoo
Research surrounding when to tattoo is a swiftly growing subject area, so theres no precise answer, but a few guidelines to consider:
Endoscopic tattooing post-polypectomy is important to check for residual polyp tissue at interval screenings, as residual polyp tissue is sometimes left behind.
Even if a lesion looks like it will be easy to find later on for surgical localization or clinical surveillance, the anatomy of the bowel can create imprecise measurements for procedure reports, so it is recommended that all suspicious lesions be tattooed.
Semicolon Tattoo With Butterfly Wings
This stunning semicolon tattoo with a butterfly wing on one side is an epic example of evolving and transforming into something amazing. Butterflies symbolize transformation when it comes to tattoos. Many people also believe that a butterfly signifies rebirth. For these reasons, many survivors choose to combine it with a semicolon to show their evolution and figurative rebirth. They were once in a depressed and suicidal state and have now come back to life. Placing it on your wrist, neck, foot, or shoulder will be like an everyday reminder of your amazing transformation.
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Semicolon Tattoos: What They Mean When You See Them
If youve ever wondered What does the semicolon tattoo mean? then look no further. We have your answer on its meaning and origin of this strange tattoo.
Semicolon tattoos have been around for many years. If youre not familiar, the semi-colon is this symbol it appears when two sentences are complete, but the ideas are close enough that they come together to form one sentence. Instead of using conjunctions like and,or, or but to link two sentences together, the semicolon does so instead.
For many people, a semicolon is a weird punctuation mark that theyll rarely ever see, let alone use. Even those who are interested enough to understand how to use it may struggle with separate it from the similar punctuation mark of the colon . But for thousands of people, its become something more. So what does the semicolon tattoo mean?
Why Use A Semi
The semicolon can be a symbol of solidarity with others. It can also be a conversation starter. For many, however, it is personal symbol of what they have overcome. It expresses the sentiment of Elton Johns song, Im Still Standing.
Some, like Selena Gomez, get a simple tattoo of the punctuation mark. Other common places for the small semi-colon tattoos are on the wrist or ankle, behind the ear, or on a finger. Selenas is on her left wrist.
The semicolon can also be integrated into a tattoo. It can be integrated into line drawings, such as the body of a butterfly. Some add it into hopeful words like Warrior or Life. Semicolon tattoo mandalas are popular, and some people get even more elaborate tattoos.
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Things Your Patients Should Know About Endoscopic Tattooing
GI Supply
In 2018, the American Cancer Society projects there will be nearly 100,000 new cases of colon cancer, and colonoscopies will play a vital role in diagnosing those cases. Though patient awareness of this procedure has grown significantly in recent years, in part to efforts like Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, theres still plenty of education to be done around its importance. That includes educating patients about the need for future follow-up colonoscopies and the role endoscopic tattooing plays in ensuring endoscopists are consistently monitoring their health.
Most patients are unfamiliar with endoscopic tattooing or its value in long-term surveillance of colon cancer. Educating patients on this important piece of cancer care can give them extra comfort that their GI team is taking every step possible to help them monitor and prevent recurrence . Here are the top three things your patients should know about endoscopic tattooing :
Spot Ex Endoscopic Tattoo Meets New Clinical Guidelines
Since the procedure was introduced, a variety of solutions have been used for endoscopic tattooing, but only one is recommended by the newly.3 Spot® was recommended for its accessibility, ease of use, and safety, and our new and improved Spot® Ex has all of that plus its permanent and darker than its predecessor.7,8
In the ongoing fight against colon cancer, its all hands on deck as we all work to eradicate this preventable disease. Strong surveillance that includes endoscopic tattooing will be key to the prevention and management of colorectal cancers.
Since 2000 Spot has been the go-to solution for endoscopic tattooing, but a new and improved, simpler, permanent version, Spot Ex, is now available. Learn more about Spot Ex here:
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What Does A Cross Tattoo Mean
Typically crosses are used to signify ones devotion to their religion or faith, but they have also been used as a way to honor or remember a loved one who has passed. Even those who are not very religious might get a big cross tattoo to represent that lost loved one because it is such a powerful symbol.
Responses To The Semicolon Tattoo
I got my semicolon tattooed last year, I got it on my right index finger as I am right handed and I keep writting my story. Several persons have asked about it, and I have explained what is it and why people get it. Normally I dont say much about my own story, I prefer to aknowledge that mental health is something to take seriously and that there are many people that are affected.For me, it truly is a weapon to open and start the conversation about mental health and I hope more people will ask about it.Remeber, there is hope and there are options, better than ending ones life. It is hard, but if you are willing to work on yourself and fight you will get better, it takes time, but life can be really beautiful. So please, continue writting your story.
Every day i draw a semicolon on my left wrist with a permanent marker . It reminds me of my failed suicide attempts, and how sad my life is. To me its a symbol that shows strength, a symbol that stands hope. I really want someone to notice the semicolon so they can see how i am in need of help because i am too scared to tell everyone how i feel. To everyone with this tattoo, you are not alone.
I have had a gift certificate for a second tattoo for several years now. I didnt know what to get..I think Ive found my answer as my brother-in-law committed suicide 2 years ago.
Thank you!!!
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Small Semicolon Tattoo Design
Small tattoo options are the most common depiction of semicolon ink youll find. These days you will likely find a ready flash sheet at your tattoo parlor with an infinity tattoo semicolon, butterfly, and simple semicolon design ready to go.
With these small tattoo examples it all breaks down to a simple, special meaning: I have struggled, I am fighting, I am still here.
Cute Lotus Semicolon Tattoo
When it comes to designing a semicolon tattoo, you can do loads to amp it up. Getting the outline of a lotus above the semicolon adds a charm to the entire tattoo. The lotus flower is seen as a symbol of elevating oneself and rising above. This design is a simple outline that looks great inked on the back of your neck. But, you can also rock this tattoo on your back, leg, shoulder, or upper arm.
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Are Semicolon Tattoos Cliche
Yes. Another one. It has become a cliche, a bore, a drill for us. We joke about the predictability and lament the fact that people cant seem to come up with a more original symbol for suicide awareness maybe, we hope, one that would be more interesting to tattoo.
10 Related Question Answers Found
What Does A Semicolon Tattoo Mean
In the context of grammar, a semicolon is used to combine two complete sentences that are related. While a period signifies that two sentences are saying different things, a semicolon is used when two sentences are so closely related that a period would be too much of a separation. In other words, a semicolon means that the thought is not quite over even though the sentence istheres still more to come.
That sentiment is the idea behind Project Semicolon, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of mental illness, self-harm, suicide, and addiction. “A semicolon represents a sentence the author could’ve ended but chose not to,” reads the organizations slogan often seen on their “The author is you and the sentence is your life.”
Project Semicolon was started by Amy Bleuel in 2013 as a way to inspire those going through depression, thoughts of suicide, or self-harm to share their story and to help show them that they are not alone. Beginning as a social media movement, the project encouraged people to draw a semicolon on their wrist in solidarity, take a photo, and upload it to share with others.
And while Bleuel created the project for everyone, it was her own experiences that led to its creation. After her father died by suicide in 2003, Bleuel faced her own struggles with mental illness. In 2013, she founded the nonprofit to honor her fathers legacy and to share her own story.
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Lotus Outline Semicolon Tattoo
The semicolon is a symbol of struggle, survival, and victory. It represents someone who wanted to end their life but chose not to. When a semicolon tattoo is merged with a lotus tattoo, you get something that holds great meaning. The lotus flower can grow in muddy waters and still bloom beautifully above the waters surface. It is seen as a representation of the ability to rise above difficult circumstances and achieve enlightenment. Now that it all makes sense and fits right with the essence of the semicolon movement, you ought to give this tattoo design a thought. Y1ou can place it on your arm, hand, or neck.
What Types Of Ink Are Available
There are several types of ink available for use in endoscopy tattooing, including india ink, Spot , methylene blue, indigo carmine, and indocyanine green . Many nurses and physicians are most familiar with india ink and Spot. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy , the other inks are less useful with respect to safety, efficacy, and ease of use.2
Endoscopic tattooing has been used since the 1970s for marking lesions along the GI tract. India ink was the most common type of ink for many years. It is composed of carbon particles and other substances including ethylene glycol, phenol, shellac, and animal products .3 Different substances found in india ink have been known to cause inflammatory reactions. Because india ink is inherently unstable, a clinician must dilute the ink with saline and sterilize it using an autoclave or passing it through a bacteriostatic Millipore filter. The ink is then drawn up into a syringe for the gastroenterologist or surgeon to use.
The Spot endoscopic marker was introduced in 2000 as a sterile, pre-mixed, pre-loaded, biocompatible suspension of purified, very fine carbon particles. It is the first and only non-india ink based FDA cleared tattoo product. It is packaged sterile in a 5cc syringe, and is ready for use after shaking.
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Arrow And Semicolon Tattoo
This beautiful arrow with a semicolon tattoo looks simple yet extremely striking. It reminds the wearer that their story can take any direction they wish for any time. They just dont have to give up and strive towards a better phase in life. It means great courage to move forward with your life. It also takes great courage to fight depression, suicide, and self-harm. Arrow tattoos are usually placed along the arm or leg. If you want to jazz up your tattoo, you can add a feather design at the end of the arrow.
Semicolon Tattoo With Cross
People who follow Christianity are survivors of suicide often incorporate the cross into their semicolon tattoo. The cross symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to save his followers. It is a way to renew a Christians faith in God and to remind them that they are not alone. It tells them to keep the faith as they continue their story that they will make it through to the end.
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What Technique Should Be Used
While several techniques are suggested in the literature for tattooing the GI tract, the four quadrant technique is often recommended, as it optimizes intraoperative visualization. Remember to check the labels and inserts of the ink you choose for indications, contraindications, and instructions for use.
Some endoscopists use a two-step approach by first injecting saline to create a bleb, and then using the same needle to inject the ink. This technique may help reduce spillage into the peritoneum which can create broad tissue staining.4
While tattooing lesions along the GI tract is the job of the endoscopist, the GI Endoscopy Nurse generally oversees the retrieval of the ink and syringe. This quick guide outlines the importance of tattooing lesions, the different inks available, and how the ink is used in the GI lab.
Please let us know what type of ink and/or techniques your facility is using in the comments section below!
The information contained in this post is not meant as medical advice to healthcare providers or patients.
Your Story Semicolon Tattoo
Your story isnt over.Such an inspiring and motivating quote that truly holds the essence of a semicolon. This tattoo is to honor those who are fighting depression every single day. If you are a suicide survivor, this could be something you ink on your body with pride in overcoming the rough patch in life. This tattoo is also a gentle reminder and a subtle way of giving you hope that good days are coming your way. You can get this tattoo inked on your wrist, thigh, back, or arm.
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Carbon Black Tattoo In Colon Cancer
| The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
| Recruitment Status : Active, not recruitingFirst Posted : October 15, 2018Last Update Posted : October 23, 2020 |
| Endoscopic Tattoo of Suspected Colon Cancer | Device: carbon black suspension colonic tattoo injection | Not Applicable |
Other objectives are:
- to assess intraoperative visibility of carbon black tattoo in the tumor region and surrounding tissues
- to assess microscopic distribution of carbon ink in the layers of the colonic wall and adjacent tissues
- to assess complications related to carbon black tattoo procedure like microscopic fibrosis, micro- or macroscopic scarring, inflammatory reactions
- to assess long-term effects of ink injections on control endoscopies at 6 and 12 months
- to assess dissection time in tattooed-non tattooed lymphatic tissues
| Study Type : |
| Tattoo arm vs. control arm |
| Masking: |
| EFFECT OF ENDOSCOPIC TATTOOING WITH CARBON BLACK SUSPENSION ON THE STAGING OF COLON CANCER |
| Actual Study Start Date : |
When And How To Use Endoscopic Tattooing In The Colon
- Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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