Tattoos and Mental Health

There can be power in bodily, artistic expression for wellness. As a mental health practitioner and individual, I have exercised deep thought and discretion about the value and importance of creativity and self-expression. For some, that can happen on a fabric canvas and for others that self-expression takes place on the human canvas. In the US, tattoos were associated with being taboo and over the past 50 years have moved to “becom(ing) more of a mainstream phenomenon, with decreasing associations with stigma” according to a paper published by the National Library of Medicine.

Because tattooing has become more widely accepted in the US and various parts of the world, I reflect on how tattoos have helped me grow as a person, consistent with other resources I’m reflecting on today that will be cited:

• Self-expression: As an artist I have found great joy in being able to see art in the world around me. In pursuing tattoos for myself, I have had the privilege of working with different artists to help my ideas come to life whether on paper as a concept or on the body as a final product. In fact, where I place the tattoo can be just as important as what the tattoo is as a sign of being able to express my creativity or hold the value of creativity to others as a kind of body adornment.

• Value-driven: Commonly tattoos hold meaning and memories. Whether someone wants to honor a person they care about that died, process a trauma experienced, identify within a specific community or remember a lesson learned, tattoos are physical and visual reminders of a truth that the adorner holds. 

• Community-fostering: As tattoos represent a shared interest group, trauma or value system, it is common for those acquiring tattoos to see their body art as a way of connecting with a larger community - especially to process and cope with trauma, according to Psychology Today. A certain symbol seen and shared by tattoo wearers can create solidarity and support in one’s day-to-day.

• Identity-validating: Drawing from Newport Healthcare, observations they make about tattoos is that they can help affirm a held identity about a person as a reminder to who they are as a person. Tattoos are worn by people of color and within the LGBTQ+ community among other groups as a means to foster and uphold body positivity and self-acceptance.

Admittedly, there can be some complicated lines between self-expression and self-harm. If you or a person you care about is considering getting a tattoo, remember that allies like family, friends and mental health counselors can be important people to talk to for perspective. Tattoos are big investments on one’s body and wellness so talking to those you trust can be a great tool for support in this area.

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Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.

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