Can Anxiety Tattoos Have a Relaxing Effect?

Anxiety tattoos have become a popular movement in the world of body ink. Find out everything you need to know about tattoos for anxiety and depression now!

Anxiety disorders are common and they affect as much as 18% of the US adult population. People that experience symptoms of anxiety know how debilitating this mental condition can be. The good news is that in some instances anxiety can be controlled without having to rely solely on medication.

With the above in mind, many people have found that getting anxiety tattoos can have a soothing and relaxing effect. Similarly to people fighting addiction, having a phrase, symbol, or image that invokes peace may help some people get through the day without experiencing feelings of stress, panic, or anxiety.

Let’s take a look at anxiety tattoos, the effect that this specific condition can have on everyday life, and explore some of the reasons this type of body ink works for some people.

The Effects of Anxiety on Daily Life

Before discussing anxiety tattoos, let’s go over the effects that this mental health condition can have. Millions of people around the world experience symptoms of anxiety every day and this can make mundane tasks extremely challenging. Going out to the store, interacting with friends, and taking public transport can all become sources of stress, so developing a routine that allows you to stay relaxed is crucial to avoid any overwhelming feelings.

An anxiety tattoo can help distract attention from the negative feelings and work as an anchor that allows you to stay grounded in the moment. This can be a sacred symbol, a picture of something that brings you happiness, or powerful phrases that brings you to a positive state of mind regardless of the situation you’re in.

What are Anxiety Tattoos?

Anxiety tattoos are pieces that can produce a relaxing and calming effect, which can help calm anxious people down. Every person is different, so we all have unique triggers that can set off both negative and positive emotions. As with other meaningful tattoos, anxiety-related pieces are very personal and are not always immediately obvious.

Some people opt for symbols or phrases that only they would understand, making their anxiety tattoo very personal. Moreover, just like heart attack survivor tattoo designs, you’ll also be able to find specific sketches or symbols that directly represent calmness. Common examples include lotus flowers and the om sign.

If you’re thinking about getting an anxiety tattoo but you’re not sure about the design, get in touch with a local artist to explore a few ideas.

Do Tattoos for Anxiety Work?

From an objective point-of-view, we don’t know for sure if tattoos for anxiety actually help manage symptoms related to this condition. There are no studies backing up this idea, so getting a tattoo should not be seen as a good way to deal with anxiety. If you or a loved one experiences anxiety symptoms on a regular basis, you should seek medical attention right away as these can lead to complex mental health issues if left untreated.

With the above in mind, testimonials from those who have anxiety tattoos suggest that this type of body ink can help brighten up your mood when you’re feeling blue. Anxiety tattoos may help improve your mental state because they can:

Symbolize the Achievement of Goals

Many people choose anxiety tattoo designs that remind them of the goals they’ve achieved in the past and how they can overcome challenges if they put their mind to it.

Represent Connections with Other Important People

It’s common to see anxiety tattoos that symbolize other important people in one’s life. A lot of people suffer from separation anxiety, so they go down a negative spiral when they are separated from family, friends, and loved ones. In these cases, an anxiety tattoo that reminds you of the people you love can put you in a better place.

Work as Reminder to Stay Calm

Tattoos for depression and anxiety often feature a calming phrase or some other form of relaxing message that allows wearers to stay focused on the positive side of things. For instance, just breathe tattoo designs are very common and they can also have the shape of a feather or another gentle element.

Capture a Happy Time in Your Life

Whether it’s a childhood element or from a period later in their lives, a lot of people opt for anxiety tattoos that remind them of a happy time. This commonly includes teen years and young adulthood, but themes also include adding a family member and settling into a new home.

Portray An Image You Find Soothing

Some of us simply choose anxiety tattoos based on images that we find soothing. Flowers, birds, clouds, and other soft images are common in these tattoos.

Popular Anxiety Tattoo Designs

Anxiety tattoos come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. If you want to find a unique design or a traditional symbol that helps reduce the negative effects of your anxiety, a local tattoo artist should be able to guide you in the right direction.

Whether you choose styles like cartoon, dotwork, geometric symbols, traditional, single needle, or minimalist, remember to choose a theme that allows you to relax regardless of where you are.