49 Meaningful Mental Health Tattoo Ideas

Getting a tattoo can be a very personal and special experience, especially for those first timers who want to get a tattoo with a significant meaning behind it.

A common way to do this is by marking a momentous mental health milestone or by using a tattoo as a way to remind someone of their inner hope and resilience.

Whether it’s a word that feels grounding during a panic attack, a symbol to think of a loved one and their experience with mental health, or even a silly visual that brings a smile to your face, tattoos are a great way to document and connect to your mental health.

My first tattoo was a Wonder Woman symbol to represent my inner strength and sensitivity, tapping into the power of my femininity.

Since then, I’ve gathered little pieces of art along my limbs: a large flower inspired by my favorite peonies in my neighborhood park, an illustration of a woman holding flowers in place of where her head should be, a scene of my dog on a walk, and even a disco ball.

I have a laundry list of tattoo ideas I want to get in the years to come, and while some are just fun and cute, many of them do come back to a root inspiration that means something to my identity and my story. Like many people, that includes my own experiences with mental health and how my conditions have shaped who I am and the way I experience the world.

No matter what, I always want to get something that boosts my confidence, reminds me of my resilience, and inspires me to enjoy all the art around me.

For those who are itching to get in the tattoo chair but aren’t quite sure what to get, one of the most unique and significant places to draw inspiration can be in your mental health journey.

While everyone has their own experience with mental health and healing, we’ve brainstormed some mental health-related tattoo ideas to help you get the creative juices flowing — and hopefully find something that reminds you, too, of the hope in the world, and the courage within you.

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Mental Health Tattoos Ideas —

General Mental Health Tattoos

Semicolon

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Heart Mirror & Happy Flower

mine and my gf’s tattoos we got today from a local artists mental health flash today :))

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You Are Not Your Pain

my first tattoo, from @TWLOHA and @jamietworkowski

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All In My Head

Anxiety in real time hit me real hard right from the beginning. I designed this tattoo to remind myself that my brain is a liar sometimes and it really is all in my head. Thanks @themaine for yet again writing the song I need to hear most at this point in my life

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Anxiety Has Not Gotten Me Down

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Enough

One year ago I got my first tattoo. It’s a reminder that no matter the loss, the anxiety and depression that overwhelms me each day, I can get through it. I am more than enough for me and for God 🤍

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Be the Change

My new addition 🖤 I've been very open about my struggles with depression and selfharm. I got this tattoo to cover scars. Handwriting - my dad's 🥰 Protea - mom and sister. Thank you to Roxy at @fallen_heroes for giving me a reason to smile when I look at my arm 🖤

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Anxiety Tattoos

Explore our complete list of anxiety tattoo ideas in our other article

Lavender

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Sitting On a Falling Chair

“I got a new tattoo last week ✒️
As some of you know I have struggled with panic attacks and anxiety most of my adult life and at my worst walking felt like you were sitting on a falling chair, but always.
This tattoo means a new start, one where life doesn't feel so hard 🚀”
— Sara Vieira

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