GALLERY: Semicolon Project comes to SA

Kayliegh Henderson talks openly about her choice to get the semicolon tattoo along with her history of self-harm. The Semicolon Project is an initiative where supporters have semicolons tattooed on any part of their bodies to show support for people suffering from depression and self-harm, which may lead to suicide. Seated in her home in Honeydew on 14 August with mobile tattoo artist Victoria Sutherland-Badds of Tattoos by Tory, Henderson is candid about her previous periods of self-harm.

She said, “I started self-harming at about 15 years old. It was my go-to coping mechanism. It was never about trying to commit suicide, it gave me a sense of control of the things I couldn’t deal with.” Although it has been a 16-year journey, Henderson emphasises that there was a 13-year period where she didn’t self-harm. She is a fully functioning adult, successful in her career and a loving, single parent. But as she pointed out, “Sometimes the depression just gets overwhelming.”

On getting the semicolon tattoo, Henderson insisted, “Getting this one is like a mental line in the sand. It’s been 10 months since I last self-harmed. I’m choosing to get part of the tattoo over my scars because it’s an area that people can see, and they look at you with shock and pity which creates shame. It’s not about what other people think. I’m still here.” Henderson also addressed the misconception of depression.

“People think the depressed person is the person huddled in the corner, but it’s not. It’s usually the person who is the loudest, drawing the most attention.” When asked what she feels is the solution, Henderson spoke frankly. “There needs to be more awareness. The logical starting point is schools. If there was proper life orientation at schools with people who have been through self-harm, it would be a good start. It generally starts during teen years, when life is pretty confusing anyway. This would help parents and teachers catch it early.”