Depression Tattoos to Support Mental Health

The semicolon was chosen as the symbol because, as Amy beautifully described it, it represents a sentence that could have ended but didn’t. It signifies the choice to continue one’s story instead of succumbing to despair. The semicolon tattoo became a visual reminder of hope, resilience, and the power of choosing to rewrite one’s narrative. Sobriety symbols transcend mere body art—they encapsulate a narrative of strength, resilience, and personal growth.

• In addition to its connection to mental health, the semicolon tattoo has also found meaning within the Crohn’s disease community.
• The pen symbolizes when I got out of inpatient and was in outpatient (finally allowed to use a pen!) and then the paintbrush symbolizes my recovery as a whole since I learned that painting helped me cope with emotions.” — Ashton P.
• Beyond being one of the more broad recovery symbols, it also is one of the more subtle.
• At the time, I was going through what I thought was professional and personal advancement, and the tattoo was meant to celebrate this advancement.
• It is a constant reminder of what one has achieved through their worst days.
• “I decided on this tattoo as a constant reminder to always keep moving forward, and that I was blessed to have such a strong figure and role model in my life.”

Once you know why you want the tattoo, it will be easier to choose the design that is right for you. “The ‘hope’ and ‘love’ were written out by the drummer and lead singer of We The Kings respectively. They cover old scars and are reminders there is hope and love in the world. Additionally, I get tattoos on my arms to prevent relapses.” — Grayce R. I also have a small hope that the tattoo is motivation for my brain to produce more serotonin lol.”  — Kate M.

Religious Tattoos Ideas

This would serve as a constant reminder to have faith that the future will be better and to keep going. Whatever option you like best, the combination of the word “love” with the semicolon will once again serve as a reminder that self-compassion and perseverance are most important. Brian, a police officer, has long struggled with the symptoms of PTSD. In 2012, he had a mental breakdown, which led him to enter a mental health treatment program, where he received an official PTSD diagnosis.

This geometric merging of circles and triangles can represent two different things. This symbol is used particularly frequently as a small, discreet, AA recovery tattoo for those in Alcoholics Anonymous or a related 12 step program. It promises that every day in recovery is a battleground with a potential victorious outcome for those who finish. It serves as an inspiring reminder that humanity has sought creative solutions for physical health for centuries. Even in our age of modern science, it’s worth remembering that some traditional practices still have value in addressing physical needs as well as connecting us to our past. Tattooing is certainly one powerful tool that can help us build bridges between ourselves and our ancestors, while still being open to new ideas in the present.

The Story Behind the Ink

Additionally, medical tattoos may be used to block certain receptors that contribute to pain or cover up surgical scars. Despite their usefulness, they are usually only employed in cases where other treatments have failed, and they must be done by a specialist with great care taking place to ensure no damage occurs. It’s truly amazing what science has enabled us to do with tattoos – something once considered purely decorative is now providing relief for many people. In fact, in some traditional Buddhist healing practices, tattoos are seen as a vital part of the treatment. Here we’ll explore the use of tattooing in Buddhist traditions and how it can be used to promote physical and mental healing.

Tattoos are more accepted in society now than they ever were before, but people who have them are still considered edgy. Some people have a single, small tattoo that they got just because they could. Best Mental Health Books to Read This Year A mental health condition and problems are becoming more common these days, and many people are struggling to cope with various emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues. Many people find themselves wanting tattoos in early sobriety, but there are a few potential drawbacks to this. If your funds have been compromised by addiction, it may be wise to wait until your financial house is in order before investing in something ornamental.

What Makes People Want More Tattoos? The Body’s Response

“‘Stay Strong;’ Of course the semicolon is for the Semicolon Project, but I got these when I made a promise to myself to Stay Strong. When I want to self-harm, I look down and remember to Stay Strong and that my story sobriety tattoos isn’t near over yet.” — Morgan L. “The large one is lyrics from La Dispute, ‘Scars will fade away but never disappear.’ The one on my wrist is a semicolon, to remind me to keep going and my story isn’t over yet.

• Of course, those who are less worried about other peoples’ opinions can make this a more visible piece.
• It helps me be more aware of situations and people that may affect me negatively.”
• I am a passionate advocate in the behavioral healthcare space, placing a strong emphasis on de-stigmatizing substance use and mental health disorders.
• The semicolon was chosen as the symbol because, as Amy beautifully described it, it represents a sentence that could have ended but didn’t.

Tattoos are powerful symbols that, for many people, carry great depth of personal meaning – so much so that some tattoo aficionados view their bodies as a canvas on which to display art that they feel represents who they are. But even for those who don’t take it quite that far, tattoos can still be used to epitomize an important person, life event or message. And for many in recovery from addiction, tattoos related to their sobriety are both celebratory of their new life choices and prudent reminders of their past. While most tattoos have a story, a tattoo that represents a journey with self-harm is more than a symptom — it’s a visible reminder. Maybe it’s a way of reclaiming your body, giving the story your scars tell more context. Maybe it’s simply a way to cover, to start fresh and move on from a painful part of your life.

We have seen how it is thought to bring protection, keep bad omens away, channel magical powers, and bring a sense of belonging. Even though this practice may not be necessary in today’s world, it is a fascinating insight into ancient cultures and their views on healing and protection. Our lives are becoming increasingly fast-paced, with an endless stream of tasks, information, and distractions. This can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being, leading to a range of issues like stress, anxiety, and burnout. “In 2013, my father made the decision to end his suffering and took his own life. I can look at this tattoo every day and feel like va part of him is still with me.” “Me and my best friend got a semicolon type tattoo for my journey through self-harm and suicidal attempts.” — Taylor B.