Beautiful mental health tattoos to wear with pride (2024)

Mental health tattoos have become a hot topic on TikTok, with 'medusa tattoo’ gaining over 22.8 million views and counting. But before you ask, it has nothing to do with an uptick in interest for Greek mythology. Medusa is considered a symbol of survival among women who have suffered sexual assault, and it’s fair to say the designs are both breath-taking and powerful, as are many mental health tattoos.

Sometimes, a tattoo is just a pretty piece of art the wearer felt drawn to in the tattoo parlour – an aesthetically-pleasing design that complements their existing inks. But ask a person the meaning behind their tattoo and, more often than not, they’ll reveal an emotional story behind it.

Celebrity tattoo artist Claudio Trainaat Sixty Ink Tattooexplains that even the process of getting a tattoo can be therapeutic. “Getting tattooed is similar to a therapy session - people trust us with their skin,” he tells Glamour. “Touching a person creates a connection - people get vulnerable and they open up to us.”

Tattoo artist Abigail Rawlings of Abigail Louise Tattoos explains how she does a lot of scar cover ups on arms and thighs for people who have self-harmed in the past. “My clients say they find it therapeutic and that it’s almost like closing that chapter of their life. I think it's really powerful and I’m grateful that they trust me and are comfortable sharing that part of their journey with me.”

Traina echoes this: “We can cover traumatic memories with an amazing design that helps to distract the eyes away from it, or in some cases, highlight and pay homage to it.”

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He goes on to tell us that while some people choose these tattoos to make a bold statement, wearing their heart on their sleeve (quite literally), others opt for more discreet designs. “You may have no idea there is a connection to mental health unless you asked."

Beautiful mental health tattoos to wear with pride (2024)

FAQs

What is the best tattoo for mental health? ›

Semicolons. Many people choose to represent their mental health journeys with a semicolon tattoo; the semicolon serves as a symbol of mental health awareness as well as suicide prevention.

What is the symbol for mental health awareness? ›

The green ribbon is the international symbol of mental health awareness. Wear a green ribbon to show colleagues, loved ones or simply those you walk past that you care about their mental health.

What is the best tattoo for anxiety? ›

For a tattoo that can symbolize freedom from anxiety, some people opt for a tattoo of birds breaking free from a cage. For other people, some Buddhist symbols or tattoos related to faith or spirituality may represent freedom from anxiety. These may include the Tree of Life, lotus, and chakra.

What does the 3 Chevron tattoo mean? ›

The Lucky Few tattoo features a simple, minimalist design of three arrows that Mica says represent “the three 21st chromosomes and how we rise up and move forward.” It began as a simple bonding moment for a few new friends, but quickly went viral when pictures of their matching tattoos were shared on social media.

What does a butterfly tattoo mean in mental health? ›

A butterfly tattoo can hold significant meaning for mental health, symbolizing resilience, transformation, and hope. For many, it represents the journey through hardship, mental illness, or personal challenges, and emerging stronger on the other side.

What flower tattoo represents mental health? ›

Another popular tattoo in the mental health community is the lotus flower. This can represent a spiritual connection and the ability to overcome anything.

Is there a color that represents mental health? ›

Green is the color used for awareness in mental health. It is a symbol for mental illnesses, bipolar disorder and depression. Green symbolizes the continual awareness of mental health in order to help fight the stigma that is often associated it.

What is the symbol for overcoming mental health? ›

A green ribbon is an international symbol of mental health awareness. People with this tattoo may suffer from mental issues themselves, or they may get it to express solidarity with friends, family, and all others facing these challenges.

What flower symbolizes mental health? ›

Jasmine is not just a beautiful bloom. It is also one of the preferred flowers for mental health preservation. It can reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Which tattoo give positive energy? ›

Here are seven tattoos that attract the most positive energy, according to experts.
  • A Black Cat. De Repente/Shutterstock. ...
  • Lion-dog (komainu) IvanRiver/Shutterstock. ...
  • Ganesh. Nejron Photo/Shutterstock. ...
  • Compass. Nejron Photo/Shutterstock. ...
  • Ladybug. Lena Pan/Shutterstock. ...
  • Flower Of Life Tattoos. ...
  • Standard Good-Luck Symbols.
Mar 5, 2019

How do I choose a meaningful tattoo? ›

If you're looking to get a meaningful tattoo, here are some ideas to consider:
  1. Choose a significant date.
  2. Get a Portrait tattoo (Note: Only work with highly skilled artists for this)
  3. Choose a meaningful quote, or song lyrics you enjoy.
  4. Emblazon yourself with your favorite piece of pop culture.

Is a tattoo good for mental health? ›

Many people experience less dissatisfaction and anxiety about their appearance after receiving a tattoo. Their self-esteem and appreciation for the body also goes up.

What does the 3% tattoo mean? ›

The group advocates gun ownership rights and resistance to the U.S. federal government. The group's name derives from the erroneous claim that "the active forces in the field against the King's tyranny never amounted to more than 3% of the colonists" during the American Revolution.

What is a 333 tattoo? ›

Though the meaning of a 333 tattoo can differ from person to person, this numerical tattoo is often associated with growth or change. The number three is considered to be a lucky number in many cultures, and it's often seen as a symbol of good fortune. For some people, a 333 tattoo is a reminder.

What does a 3 dots tattoo mean? ›

Traditionally, three dot tattoos symbolize “Mi Vida Loca” or “my crazy life.” They are commonly used to represent struggle and appreciation of life. For example, three-dot tattoos can communicate an intention to move forward after unfortunate circ*mstances.

What tattoo symbolizes overcoming struggle? ›

A tattoo symbolizing overcoming might include imagery of obstacles being conquered, such as mountains or rough seas, or it may feature Phoenix, the mythic bird that symbolizes rebirth and rising from ashes after defeat.

What do psychologists say about tattoos? ›

One of the most common psychological explanations for tattoos is that they are a form of risk-taking behavior. This theory suggests that people who get tattoos are more likely to be impulsive and thrill-seeking. They may also be more likely to take other risks, such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors or using drugs.

What is the symbol for health tattoo? ›

The wings on the Caduceus symbol represent those on the feet of Hermes/Mercury, messenger to the gods. The intertwining snakes represent the balance of opposites. This classic symbol has been so associated with good health over the years, that it's still used by many doctors to this day.

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