How Tattoos, Piercings Can Serve as a Coping Mechanism From Trauma (2024)

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How Tattoos, Piercings Can Serve as a Coping Mechanism From Trauma? ›

Tattoos and piercings often serve as a “means of coping with previous adversity and be an expression of autonomy.” “[Getting a tattoo] is about transmutation — turning something so hateful into a symbol of my reclamation, healing, and solidarity with other survivors,” said Marlee Liss, a survivor of rape.

"Some people seek out a piercing procedure as a form of self-therapy, allowing them to release stress." Of course, not everyone feels this way about their piercings, and for many people, it's just a way to express themselves.

Trauma tattoos have become a beacon of strength finding its origin with the 'Survive' logo, which is a circle with a small branch inside. It was a popular symbol for trauma survivors in the 1960s.

A tattoo can help someone's mental health by making them feel connected to a loved one. It can help them feel more control over themselves and remain connected to their culture or country. If you're looking to get a unique tattoo or piercing to express yourself and feel better about life, visit Gallery Ink today.

Tattoos and piercings often serve as a “means of coping with previous adversity and be an expression of autonomy.”

Acquiring a piercing might symbolize the bravery to endure momentary pain for a long-term sense of empowerment.

Many people partake in them to express their personality or aesthetic. Previous research on tattooed and pierced individuals has linked them to having lower self-esteem and a higher need for uniqueness. Trauma survivors may turn to body modification as a way to overcome past experiences.

The Bible warns against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 (Amplified) which says, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” However, just because society approves of something does not make it right in the eyes of God.

Today they're common everywhere from Maori communities in New Zealand to office parks in Ohio. But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.”

What tattoos represent overcoming struggles? ›

"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Buddha, lotus, etcetera — are common for battling anxiety. They symbolize the overcoming of struggle, protection, self care, rebirth, the circle of life, kindness, strength, new challenges, and new beginnings."

The tattoo serves as a permanent reminder of how significant the relationship was, and how much they were loved. Some people feel that the physical pain experienced in the process of having a memorial tattoo represents the emotional grief they are going through.

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.

For people who are struggling with mental health issues, tattoos can provide a sense of control and a way to focus on self-improvement. Additionally, the act of getting a tattoo can be a way to take time for oneself and prioritize one's own well-being.

Emotions and thoughts are embodied on the skin and also in the tattoos. In addition, what happens inside is expressed through the exterior. This is why the tattoo expresses the individual world of each person, and it is a way of talking about oneself and sharing it with the rest.

Research published in the journal Symbolic Interaction suggests that tattoos can serve as social markers, facilitating connections among individuals with similar beliefs or interests. This sense of community and shared identity can positively impact mental health.

Piercings have been used to signify sociopolitical status; in Rome, septum piercings symbolized a gladiator's strength, while in Egypt, a belly button piercing signified godliness and was often worn by pharaohs.

Some people pierce for religious or spiritual reasons, while others pierce for self-expression, for aesthetic value, for sexual pleasure, to conform to their culture or to rebel against it.

One of the primary psychological drivers behind piercings is the desire for self-expression and individuality. In a world where conformity is often encouraged, piercings offer a means to stand out and assert one's unique identity.

There are two main reasons behind hosting the function. The superficial part of the external ear houses several important acupuncture and acupressure points which are known to be closely linked to diseases like asthma. These acupuncture points can help boost immunity against asthma when pierced.