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Tattoos are more than just cool wearable art — they can be meaningful symbols that tell our personal stories. Tattoos can be especially powerful reminders and symbols of mental health.
Mental health tattoos can serve as reminders of strength, recovery, and personal growth. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo that reflects your mental health journey, here are 12 ideas to consider.
HUSH is here to keep you comfy during the tattoo process.
1. Semicolon
The semicolon tattoo has become a powerful symbol for mental health awareness. In writing, a semicolon is used when an author could end a sentence but chooses not to. This represents a choice to keep going even when things are tough.
Many people get a semicolon tattoo to symbolize their decision to continue their life despite struggles with mental health or attempts to end their story early. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that their story isn’t over.
2. Mental Health Awareness Ribbon
The mental health awareness ribbon is similar to other awareness ribbons, like those for cancer or heart disease. The ribbon can be in different colors, but the most common for mental health is kelly green (like a shamrock).
You can choose to get a ribbon tattoo in a design that is meaningful to you, maybe incorporating other symbols or colors that are important in your journey.
3. Quotes and Affirmations
Sometimes, a few well-chosen words can be incredibly powerful. Consider a tattoo of a quote or affirmation that resonates with you.
It might be something like “This too shall pass" or words of affirmation from a meditation mantra that helped you. Even a tattoo that says something as simple as "breathe" can be a reminder to yourself to focus on your well-being.
4. Lotus Flower
The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and rebirth. It grows from the mud, symbolizing that beauty can emerge from challenging times. The lotus is an important spiritual symbol for yoga practitioners, and many people incorporate yoga and its teachings into their daily wellness routines.
For many, the lotus flower represents personal growth and transformation, making it a meaningful choice for a mental health tattoo. You can choose a design that features a single lotus or incorporate lotus flowers into a larger motif.
5. Tree of Life
The Tree of Life, known in Norse mythology as Yggradsil, can symbolize a lot of things. A similar tree of life is utilized in many new-age spiritual groups to represent unity and feeling at one with the earth.
Traditionally, the Tree of Life symbolizes growth, strength, and connection. It represents how we are all interconnected and how our experiences contribute to who we are. A Tree of Life tattoo can remind you of your resilience and your growth through tough times. It’s a beautiful design that can be customized to fit your personal story.
6. Mindfulness Symbols
Mindfulness meditation is a common practice among people who live with anxiety or high levels of stress. Meditation is a valuable, simple, and free tool that people can use whenever and wherever they need to when they begin to feel overwhelmed. Many people find that mindfulness is one of the most important parts of their mental and emotional wellness rituals.
If you practice mindfulness or meditation, you might want a tattoo that reflects these practices. Symbols like the Om sign, a mandala, or a simple zen circle can be great choices. These designs can help remind you to stay present and grounded, especially during stressful times. Mindfulness symbols often make perfect low-key minimalist tattoos.
7. Heart and Brain
A tattoo combining a heart and a brain can symbolize the connection between emotional and mental health. This design can remind you that both aspects of health are important and interconnected. High levels of stress and anxiety can contribute to heart disease, which is why finding mental and emotional peace is vital for your overall health.
There are many ways to approach a heart and mind connectedness tattoo. You can choose a simple, minimalist design or go for a full-fledged anatomical representation of both organs if you prefer realistic art. A small heart icon with a line connected to a small brain icon will illustrate the point just as well.
8. Butterfly or Moth
Butterflies and moths are often seen as symbols of transformation and hope. They start as caterpillars and undergo a significant change before emerging with gorgeous, strong wings. This symbolism can represent your own journey through mental health challenges and your hope for positive change.
9. Staircase or Ladder
A staircase or ladder tattoo can symbolize progress and the steps you’re taking toward better mental health. Each step can represent a milestone or achievement in your journey. This design can also remind you that even when things are tough, you’re moving forward, one step at a time.
10. Moon Phases
The phases of the moon can symbolize the natural cycles of life and the idea that it’s okay to go through different phases. Just like the moon, you might go through times of light and darkness.
A tattoo of the moon phases can remind you of the cyclical nature of life and that things will change and improve over time. You may have found yourself shrouded in darkness at times, but the light will always slowly wash back over you.
11. Anchor
An anchor tattoo is a symbol of stability and strength. For many, it represents being grounded and finding a sense of calm during turbulent times. If you’ve found stability and hope through your mental health journey, an anchor tattoo can be a great way to symbolize that inner strength.
12. Puzzle Piece
The puzzle piece is often used as a symbol for autism but can also represent mental health awareness. The puzzle piece can symbolize that each person is a unique part of the larger picture and that understanding and support are important. It’s a design that can reflect the complexity of mental health and the importance of empathy and connection.
How Do I Choose My Mental Health Tattoo Design?
When choosing a mental health tattoo, it’s important to pick something that truly resonates with you. Think about what aspects of your mental health journey you want to reflect on and how you want to express that through art.
Here are some tips for choosing the right design.
Reflect on Your Journey
Consider what symbols or designs have personal meaning to you. Think about what has helped you through tough times or what represents your strength and resilience. Don’t be afraid to go abstract with your idea. Break the mold to create a piece that truly represents your journey.
You don’t have to approach an idea the same way other people do — you can have your semicolon etched into the neck of a guitar if writing your own album kept you going. You can bury your anchor in a garden if spending more time in nature helped you find yourself.
Stick an eyeball in the center of your lotus flower if watching cheesy horror movies with your best friend kept you warm on cold nights.
Consult With a Tattoo Artist
A professional tattoo artist can help bring your ideas to life. They can also offer advice on design placement and size, ensuring that your tattoo looks great and fits your vision.
Mental health tattoos are a common gig for tattoo artists. They may have some unique ideas within your wheelhouse that they’ve been interested in trying out. Don’t let them make up your mind for you, but let them slide you some input. Your creative collaboration could enhance your vision.
Consider Placement
Think about where you want to place your tattoo. Some people choose visible areas like their arms or wrists so they can see it often, while others might choose more private areas.
The placement can affect how often you see the tattoo and how it’s perceived by others. Ask yourself if you want to share your journey with the world or commemorate it for yourself.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush into getting a tattoo. Take your time to think about the design and make sure it’s something you’ll be happy with for years to come. It’s a permanent reminder of your journey, so it’s worth taking the time to choose something that feels right.
Personalize Your Design
Even if you choose a common symbol, like a semicolon or a lotus flower, you can make it unique to you. Add elements or customize the design to fit your personal story and style.
Your tattoo artist may have some great ideas, especially if they’ve done a lot of similar tattoos before. They’ll be open to the idea of shaking things up a little and may already have some cool concepts to show you.
Stay Comfortable With HUSH
Mental health tattoos can be a beautiful and personal way to express your journey and remind yourself of your strength. Whether you choose a semicolon, a butterfly, or a meaningful quote, your tattoo can serve as a powerful symbol of your resilience and growth.
Remember to choose design and consult with a tattoo artist to create something truly special. Your tattoo can be a daily reminder of your inner strength and the progress you’ve made on your mental health journey.
You’ve done a lot of work on your emotional comfort. Let HUSH help with your physical comfort. HUSH tattoo numbing cream is designed to take the ouch out of the tattoo process. Slather it on before your appointment, cover the area, and let it sit.
Your artist can wipe it off at the beginning of your session, and you’ll hardly feel a thing. Stay comfy with HUSH.
Sources:
The Semicolon Tattoo | American Journal of Psychiatry Residents' Journal
Mental Health Awareness Month | SAMHSA
Yggdrasil: The Norse Tree of Life | History Cooperative
Mindfulness exercises | Mayo Clinic
Risk Factors for Heart Disease: Don't Underestimate Stress | Johns Hopkins Medicine
