2. Methodology

Study Design
Qualitative and survey-based study exploring the emotional, psychological, and social impacts of storytelling related to mental health and suicide prevention.

Data Collection

• Timeframe: January 11, 2023 – May 20, 2023

• Participants: 951 individuals

• Method:

  • Online questionnaire (15 questions + optional narrative)

  • Prompts about motivations, fears, outcomes, and reflections on storytelling

  • Optional interviews with 34 participants

Demographics Collected:

• Age, gender identity, race/ethnicity

• Whether they shared their story publicly, privately, or anonymously

• Whether they received responses or feedback from others

3. Participant Overview

| Gender Identity | | | Women | 59% | | Men | 28% | | Nonbinary/Other | 11% | | Prefer not to say | 2% |

4. Key Findings

1. Storytelling Reduces Shame and Self-Stigma (84%)

“I hated myself until I put it into words. Then I saw I was just hurting—not broken.”

Participants overwhelmingly described a release of shame after sharing their story, even in anonymous or private formats.

2. Public Sharing Builds Community (71%)

“I thought I was alone until someone commented, ‘Me too.’”

Most respondents said storytelling helped them connect with others who had similar experiences. It broke isolation and replaced it with belonging.

3. Tattooing the Story Solidifies Identity and Survival (43%)

“The semicolon is a reminder I’m still here. My story didn’t end where I thought it would.”

Participants with semicolon tattoos described the act as not only symbolic but therapeutic—turning trauma into survival art.

4. Sharing Sparks Healing Even Without External Validation (52%)

“I didn’t need a response. I just needed to say it out loud.”

More than half found value in simply writing or speaking their story—even if no one responded. Expression itself was part of the healing.

5. Fear Was a Barrier—but Often Followed by Empowerment (39%)

“I was terrified to post it. But once I did, it was like breathing for the first time.”

A significant number reported fear of being judged or misunderstood, but most also described feeling stronger or lighter afterward.

5. Quotes from Participants

“The story I tried to hide for years became the thing that saved someone else.”
— 31-year-old participant, Indiana

“I wrote it for me, but it turns out others needed it too.”
— 22-year-old participant, Philippines

“Every time I see my tattoo, I remember: I chose to keep going.”
— 38-year-old woman, Georgia

“Telling my story didn’t erase the pain—but it gave it purpose.”
— 44-year-old male, Australia

6. Implications and Next Steps

Storytelling is not just expression—it’s intervention. It can shift internal narratives, create community, and even save lives. Project Semicolon’s storytelling-centered model proves that when people are given permission to speak, they often find the strength to heal.

Recommendations:

• Expand “Share Your Story” tools on projectsemicolon.com with new formats (video, voice, short anonymous journal prompts)

• Integrate storytelling into all programs, including peer support, safety plans, and Semicolon Helps

• Encourage safe storytelling through training, including content warnings, emotional prep, and trauma-informed reflection

• Publish an annual collection of community stories as a living archive of survival

7. Acknowledgments

To those who had the courage to speak their truth, publicly or privately—you are the heart of this movement. Your story is still being written. Thank you for letting us read a page.

8. Contact

Want to share your story, collaborate, or bring this research into your organization or classroom?
📧 research@projectsemicolon.com