The power of healing through tattoo While mental health professionals don't recommend using tattoos as one's only form of therapy, they do acknowledge the power a tattoo holds to give meaning or closure to an experience, or to begin a new one.
Studies about the Healing Power of Tattoos
A new Texas Tech University study suggests that women with multiple tattoos have higher self-esteem, but also more troubled pasts. The study tentatively concludes that tattoos basically serve as a coping mechanism that can successfully raise levels of self-esteem.
Getting a tattoo is a way for some people to express their emotions and thoughts. Tattoos also make a great way to memorialize something or someone special in our lives. Tattoo lovers often choose designs that remind them of the past.
Getting a tattoo feels good:
The tattooing process is painful for many, but the human combats the pain by releasing endorphins and adrenaline, which creates a natural 'high' and makes the person feel euphoric. This is why many people don't stop after getting just one tattoo!
Do tattoos improve mental health? Though they certainly don't treat or cure mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders, tattoos can be meaningful to a person. Mental health themed tattoo ideas can make for meaningful tattoos.
Tattoos can also serve as a form of self-care. The process of getting a tattoo can be relaxing, and the end result can be a source of pride and confidence. For people who are struggling with mental health issues, tattoos can provide a sense of control and a way to focus on self-improvement.
You can use tattoos as a mental health tool whenever you have the time and money to do so. It's a great way for a lot of people to express their feelings, get away from the world for a while, and help cope with so much of what goes on in life. If you don't agree, you can always get a drawing made instead.
“Tattooing starts at the body's first line of defense, the skin, and uses it as a canvas to physically bear witness to the assault experienced on body, mind, and sense of self. As such, it often visually and viscerally becomes a source of healing,” Suzanne Phillips, a psychologist, had explained.
Getting a tattoo reduces cortisol levels, (a stress hormone) which also helps improve the immune system but even reduces stress! Tattoos can be painful. However, the body battles the pain by releasing adrenaline and endorphins which leads to the person getting tattooed feeling elated.
According to a study 22% (of 540 individuals) possessed at least one tattoo. Further analyses showed that, compared with non-tattooed individuals, tattooed participants had significantly higher scores on extraversion, experience seeking, need for uniqueness, and held more positive attitudes toward tattoos.
Self-determination theory suggests that people get tattoos as a way to fulfil their need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Tattoos can provide a sense of control over one's body, allow individuals to express their creativity, and foster a sense of connection with others.
Depression tattoos are becoming more and more popular. People are getting depression tattoos for various reasons – to help with their mental health or to commemorate a loved one who has died from suicide. Still, most people agree that they offer some benefits regarding mental health.
A semicolon tattoo through the lens of mental health is a symbol of solidarity between those of us who live and struggle with a mental illness or who have lost someone to suicide. "Semicolons are a very traditional, very popular mental health tattoo and they represent that it's not the end," explains Roman.
One of the most well-known symbols for mental health awareness and suicide prevention is the semicolon tattoo. This small punctuation mark holds a powerful message for those struggling with mental health.
"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Budha, lotus, etc. — 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."
Here are the most and least painful spots to get inked. Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold. The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
It is customary to tip tattoo artists for their time and skill. A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo, but you can adjust this amount based on your personal budget and satisfaction with the service.
Here are the most common reasons why people regret their tattoos: impulsive decision (35 percent), significant meaning (29 percent), or the idea that it would make them look cool (18 percent). The more thoughtful and careful you are about your tattoo, the less likely you are to regret it.
Many people decide to wear tattoos in order to express their artistic nature, their beliefs, or their feelings -- in other words, to show their individuality. A musician in a rock band may get a tattoo of a guitar on the arm.
These acts of self-care may be foreign to people battling depression and anxiety, but because they're mandatory, your tattoo may help encourage positive behaviors for the future. It's easy to slip into apathy when you're depressed, but a tattoo can remind you that you need to look after yourself.
When you get a tattoo, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals that are produced by your body to relieve stress and pain. When released, they cause a euphoric feeling not dissimilar to a class of drugs called opioids.
Subjects with tattoos have higher self-esteem than controls without tattoos. Persons with tattoos tend to rate themselves as more adventurous, creative, individualistic and attractive than those without tattoos (features of high self-esteem) [22–25].
Personal healing with emotional tattoos
For many, emotional tattoos are a way to expose hidden mental scars, commemorate a traumatic event or personal loss, or regain control following a challenging experience. Another study found tattoos can assist in reducing appearance anxiety.