Getting a tattoo can be an empowering experience for many people, especially those living with anxiety. Tattoos allow people with anxiety to reclaim control over their bodies and minds through creative expression. They can provide an outlet for emotions and serve as a reminder of inner strength. While tattoos are not a cure for anxiety, they can be a helpful coping mechanism on one’s mental health journey.
How tattoos help people cope with anxiety
There are several ways tattoos can help people manage anxiety symptoms:
- Regaining a sense of control – Having anxiety can make people feel powerless over their thoughts and emotions. Choosing the tattoo design, location, artist, etc. allows them to assert control.
- Processing emotions – The pain of getting a tattoo can provide catharsis. Seeing meaningful imagery on one’s skin helps externalize inner experiences.
- Establishing identity – Tattoos allow people to redefine themselves beyond their anxiety. It declares “This is who I am.”
- Exposure therapy – Getting a tattoo forces anxious people to face fears (e.g. needles, pain, social situations) in a controlled way.
- Distraction technique – Focusing on the tattooing process directs attention away from anxiety symptoms.
- Symbol of strength – Tattoos serve as reminders of resilience and progress made in managing anxiety.
The process can be therapeutic. Planning the tattoo design requires reflection on motivations and personal meaning. Physical sensations of getting tattooed can ground anxious individuals in the present moment. Seeing the finished tattoo reminds them of their capabilities and choice to actively help themselves.
Common motivations for getting tattoos
There are shared motivations among anxious individuals for acquiring tattoos:
- Establishing self-identity – Tattoos declare “This is who I am.” This helps counteract feelings of disconnect and establish a grounded sense of self.
- Memorializing events – Tattoos serve as permanent reminders of meaningful moments and personal growth. This commemorates progress through anxiety treatment.
- Regaining control – The pain, permanence, and decision-making process allow people to feel in control of their bodies. Anxiety often makes people feel powerless.
- Processing trauma – Putting meaningful imagery onto one’s skin can represent traumas being released from one’s mind. Tattoos externalize inner pain.
- Self-expression – Tattoos allow people to creatively express their personalities and interests. This establishes identity beyond anxiety.
In short, tattoos allow people with anxiety to reclaim their bodies and minds. The process and end result build confidence to counteract anxious thoughts and feelings of helplessness.
Common tattoo designs and meanings
There are common tattoo designs that hold special meaning and represent inner strength:
- Semicolon – Represents continuing life after thoughts of suicide, overcoming mental health struggles.
- Phrases – Uplifting words like “This too shall pass” or “Stay strong” serve as reminders.
- Calming images – Gentle visuals like waves, trees, birds depict resilience.
- Meaningful symbols – Infinity signs, arrows, phoenixes symbolize persistence, moving forward, rebirth.
- Inspirational figures – Icons like Frida Kahlo represent overcoming adversity.
While the specific tattoo design is unique to each individual, certain common themes emerge. Phrases and images related to strength, growth, peace help motivate continued progress in managing anxiety.
Therapeutic benefits of getting tattoos
Beyond the motivations already outlined, getting tattoos has additional therapeutic benefits for those with anxiety:
- Distraction – Being “in the moment” during the tattooing process distracts from anxious thoughts.
- Exposure therapy – Managing anxiety related to needles, pain, social interaction with artist.
- Mindfulness – Focusing awareness on physical sensations promotes mindfulness.
- Accomplishment – Completing the tattoo instills feelings of success and self-efficacy.
- Self-esteem – Taking control of one’s body through meaningful tattoos builds self-confidence.
- Externalization – Seeing inner struggles symbolized can help objectively process trauma or emotions.
Psychologists have compared benefits of tattooing to those of expressive arts and therapy. The accompanying pain forces focus on the present. Designing and acquiring tattoos facilitates self-expression. Seeing inner struggles represented externally promotes self-reflection. However, tattoos complement but don’t replace professional mental health treatment.
Potential risks of tattoos
Despite benefits, there are some potential downsides of tattoos for anxious individuals:
- Pain and permanence increase anxiety for some.
- Social stigma in workplaces or among family/friends.
- Poorly done tattoos risk infection, scarring, need for removal.
- Preoccupation with getting more tattoos or hiding them.
- Addiction risk replacing emotional coping with compulsive tattooing.
Those prone to compulsive behaviors or with needle phobias should carefully consider tattoos as a coping mechanism. Poor planning and research into artists risks unsafe tattooing. Start with a small, concealable design to gauge reactions before getting prominent tattoos. While tattoos can help, they shouldn’t entirely define identity.
Tattoos as part of a self-care plan
For tattoos to have lasting benefit, they should be part of a holistic self-care plan, not a standalone fix. Other self-care strategies include:
- Therapy and medication to treat anxiety’s root causes
- Relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing
- Healthy lifestyle habits around sleep, diet, exercise
- Joining support groups to share struggles and feel less alone
- Journaling feelings to process emotions
- Finding purpose through volunteering, hobbies, work
Tattoos complement proven treatments and lifestyle changes. They represent just one potential outlet for self-expression and confidence building.
When to avoid tattoos
Tattoos may be inadvisable for anxiety sufferers who:
- Are underage – Laws prohibit tattooing minors without guardian consent.
- Have medical complications – Issues like hemophilia or skin conditions may increase risks.
- Take medications – Blood thinners and some medications can increase bleeding or infection risk.
- Have substance abuse issues – Impaired judgement increases poor decision making.
- Have severe needle phobia – Extreme fear or fainting around needles makes process dangerous.
- Have obsession/addiction risk – Those with obsessive or addictive tendencies may go overboard.
Individuals under 18, with certain medical conditions, or prone to compulsions require extra precautions. Consult doctors before getting tattoos if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any prescription medications.
Finding the right tattoo artist
To maximize benefits and minimize risks of tattooing, it’s essential to find the right tattoo artist by:
- Researching local artists’ experience, training, licensing, and portfolio
- Reading online reviews about sanitation practices and bedside manner
- Comparing price quotes – Good work commands higher pricing
- Looking for specialty in desired design style – realism, blackwork, Japanese, etc.
- Visiting the studio to judge cleanliness and get vibes from the artist
- Trusting your gut – Comfort level is critical for this permanent decision
Never get an impulsive “walk-in” tattoo. Carefully select an experienced artist who makes you feel confident and cared for. This establishes trust critical for such an intimate, permanent body modification.
Preparing mentally and physically
To make the experience less anxiety provoking:
- Eat a full meal before to avoid drops in blood sugar
- Stay hydrated to manage pain better
- Use numbing cream on the tattoo area beforehand
- Bring distractions like music, books, games
- Have a support person for comfort/encouragement
- Use relaxation techniques to stay calm
- Take medications as prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms
- Get plenty of rest the night before
Proper preparation reduces avoidable physical and mental distress during the process. This primes your body and mind for maximum tattoo benefits.
Caring for a new tattoo
Proper aftercare ensures proper healing and prevents complications:
- Leave bandage on for first 24 hours
- Wash gently with mild antibacterial soap and water
- Apply a thin layer of moisturizing ointment
- Avoid submerging in water like baths or pools
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo
- Avoid direct sun exposure while healing
- Resist urge to scratch or pick at peeling skin
- Watch for signs of infection like redness or oozing
Follow the artist’s aftercare instructions exactly. Book a follow-up visit so the artist can monitor healing. Proper aftercare preserves the quality of this permanent investment.
When to consider tattoo removal
Although permanent, tattoos can be removed. Removal may be considered if the tattoo:
- Impairs functioning or quality of life
- Was obtained impulsively or during crisis
- Represents a relationship that has ended
- Interferes with employment
- Associated with past addiction or trauma
- Causes excessive shame, anxiety or stigma
Laser removal techniques can fully or partially erase unwanted tattoos. But the process is expensive and painful. Tattoo cover-ups provide another option. Consider the reasons for removal carefully first.
Conclusion
For people with anxiety, tattoos hold deep therapeutic meaning. They provide an outlet for self-expression and serve as motivation during mental health struggles. If done carefully, tattoos can be an empowering form of exposure therapy, distraction, and confidence building.
However, tattoos alone are no substitute for comprehensive anxiety treatment.They should be part of a broader self-care plan including therapy, medication, healthy lifestyle habits, and social support. While tattoos carry risks, finding the right artist and design can lead to great personal growth.