How Do You See PTSD - Tattoos We Wear and Why

[Audreeeey]

A few years ago, I got this tattoo on my foot that would help me get through my hard times. It was drawn by a Canadian artist to support recovery of mental illness.

It's a lovely reminder :)

 

[p-no]

I've got one myself. I chose it to be a (this) hat with the candle upright.

I had it tattooed on my wrist so I actually "have to" look at it and am reminded of being good to myself. It's from the book "Be-good-to-yourself Therapy" by Cherry Hartmann and R. W. Alley (illustrations). Throughout the whole series of (s)Elf Help Books, the hat with the lit candle upright means being in a good, healthy place. Also, when I got an official name change, I gave myself a middle name that has a wonderful meaning involving light.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I have a tattoo of a tree growing out of the earth and rocks and into my skin. It means growing between a rock and a hard place and still growing.. It is on my right forearm. I have a coup feather on the other side that means wounded and survived many battles. I have another tattoo of a dragonfly. Of rebirth. All of my tattoos have meanings. I have gotten alot of compliments on them. Sorry I cannot post a picture of the. This is an interesting topic. Thank you.

 

[Omnia vincit amor]

I have never thought about having a tattoo.

Now I have the name of my son on my wrist, where I used to cut and burn myself.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I am thinking of getting tats on my forearms where I'm scarred from cutting. I was thinking of ivy but now I'm thinking of something to remind myself of recovery.

 

[Omnia vincit amor]

I think it is very good idea. It is always there to protect you and it is also like a ' contract' with yourself.

 

[Chantal]

I have lots of tattoos, about 16... I lost count!

I love them all, they are art to me.

My latest one, actually two (I got them at the same time), is my maiden name and all around it leopard print, full of color! The leopard print representing the leopard means aggressive warrior and ancient Egypt priests used to wear leopard skin to ward off evil spirits. And my maiden name means getting my identity back after the divorce and being in color means that my future will be brighter. I got it on my right shoulder close to my heart.

My first tattoo so exposed, now I get stares like I'm evil or something, I just keep walking with my head high because my tattoos are for me, not for anyone else.

On my other one that I recently got was a pink kiss on my left shoulder, representing my need for kisses :p :locktopic: It's a secret that I like kisses hahaha

 

[Lionheart]

I have a reaper on my upper arm to remind me that death is a part of life and is not the opposite of life. It's also to remind me to live each day like it will be my last 'cause I don't know when my time will come to depart from this world. *(It helps to keep things in perspective).

On the other upper arm, I have 5 ravens to represent dissociating to survive trauma...as I once flew away with the ravens mentally to escape severe abuse. One of the birds is squawking and flying upwards whereas the other four are diving down to come to the rescue. I later discovered that in the African Yoruba tradition, Raven is seen as the protector of the child spirit and I have adopted that view, so to me, it's a fitting tribute to my ability to survive trauma.


I am thinking of having it re-inked soon, so it will appear solid black again, as it has faded out over time.

 

[p-no]

I later discovered that in the African Yoruba tradition, Raven is seen as the protector of the child spirit and I have adopted that view, so to me, it's a fitting tribute to my ability to survive trauma.

That is beautiful. I love ravens (for no particular reason) -- thanks for sharing about that African Yoruba tradition.

 

[KP the nut]

I'm just a coward when it comes to needles, you all have my admiration.

 

[Capt3]

I just have this one. I want another for the PTSD, another for the marathons, one for my dad, and one for each of my kids. I take too long to plan them.

 

[Toria]

I'd love to get one based on my avatar - a Husky and an Angel... But I'm with you KP - ouch!