Mental Health Tattoos - Is There A Connection? (2024)

FAQs

What is the connection between tattoos and mental health? ›

For many people, getting a tattoo can be a cathartic experience that helps them release emotions and feelings that they have been struggling to express. A tattoo can serve as a visual representation of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, allowing them to express themselves in a meaningful and unique way.

Popular mental health tattoos and their meanings

Butterflies: symbolizing transformation and growth, reflecting the journey towards recovery and healing. Infinity symbols: symbolizing the never-ending journey towards mental wellness. Inspirational quotes or words: represent motivation, strength, and encouragement.

Traina lists positive affirmations such as 'love', 'self-love' and 'breathe' as popular tattoos for people wanting to mark a milestone in their mental health journey. “Lots of people tattoo a lion face to be braver, or animals they are scared of, like snakes and spiders, to remind them to face their fears.

Can tattoos cause anxiety? For some people, the act of getting a tattoo or other body art may lead to temporary anxiety. However, the result may lead to relief from anxiety if the tattoo holds emotional significance.

According to the symbolic interactionism concept, tattoos help people establish and preserve their sense of self. People use tattoos as a medium to communicate their ideas, values, and personality, as well as to showcase their involvement in a particular group or subculture.”

If equipment used to create a tattoo has infected blood on it, you can get diseases that are spread through blood. Examples include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. To lower your risk, get vaccinated for hepatitis B before you get a tattoo.

The green ribbon is the symbol of mental health awareness.

Many people who have suffered from suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, or other mental illness apply a semicolon tattoo to their bodies to represent their decision to continue through difficulties.

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.

Sei Hei Ki: The mental/emotional symbol. It's used to heal emotional and mental problems like anxiety, depression, and addiction. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: The distance symbol. It's used to send Reiki energy to someone who's not physically present, or to connect with past or future events.

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.

"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."

A study of a community sample of women (Reference Romans, Martin and MorrisRomans 1998) found that being tattooed was associated with more psychiatric symptoms, borderline personality characteristics as well as increased alcohol use. Childhood sexual abuse was reported more often in women with tattoos.

These determine people's capacity to confront situations and adapt to the circ*mstances. For better or for worse, tattooed people are typically associated with: being extrovert, have a rich social life, or the necessity to feel unique and stand out from the of the people.

The impending hours of being “under the needle” can certainly weigh on your mind. If you're prone to anxiety we suggest starting with a small tattoo. It's the same advice we give to someone who has a very low threshold for pain.

Stress Relieving, Depression Healing

You may be wondering how a simple tattoo could possibly have a positive effect on mental health. But the truth is, when you undergo the tattooing process and get inked, you experience an adrenaline and endorphin rush that makes you feel like you're on top and out of the world.

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.