Inking for strength

From grieving to fighting loneliness, people experience different levels of emotions. According to tattoo artists, getting inked helps some people cope with these feelings and has a positive impact on their mental health. For individuals with anxiety and other mental health conditions, tattoos can offer a sense of empowerment and control over their lives.
Contributing to mental wellness
Kavya Rao (33), from Hyderabad, got a paw tattoo on her leg in memory of her dog, who passed away last year. Though she had thought of getting inked earlier, she only decided after his passing. “I called him Sunshine, so the paw includes nature symbols with sunrays, reflecting what he loved. He was part of me — we travelled together, and I shared a deep emotional bond with him. The tattoo is my way of expressing the pain,” she shares.
When someone seeks to get a tattoo, often the reason behind it is to either recall something important or to leave something behind, says artistes. “We try to help people navigate their trauma through art. Getting a tattoo can offer therapeutic benefits for mental health survivors by providing a tangible symbol of empowerment, self-expression, and control over their bodies and experiences,” says Lokesh Verma, a tattoo artiste.
“Choosing a tattoo design and getting inked can help distract from emotional pain. The permanent tattoo then serves as a lasting reminder of their journey and strength,” explains Siddharth Suvarna, another tattoo artiste.
A UK resident Asmita (27), who got inked, says, “Almost all my tattoos are a byproduct of me wanting therapy other than the therapy I already go to. It’s a calming process for me. For two-three hours I am transported to a different headspace. I enjoy that headspace. Getting tattoos is self-care.”
‘Semicolon tattoo has become a symbol of mental health awareness’
According to the tattoo artistes, semicolons are the most common; to show support to those struggling with mental health issues. Verma says, “The semicolon tattoo has become a symbol of mental health awareness and suicide prevention, representing the idea that one's story is not over yet. It's a simple yet powerful reminder of hope and resilience.”
Suvarna adds, “For many people, semicolon symbols mean that their story isn’t over yet. It’s not the end.”


Clients with a different mindset
Describing the kind of people the tattoo artistes come across who experience empowerment or healed after getting inked, Verma, says, “Many times, we come across clients with abuse survivors, individuals with compromised mental health, people who have lost their loved ones, someone trying to start afresh. Tattoos can be a very powerful form of art when it comes to accepting any kind of grief.”
“A lot of artistic people think that tattooing works as a therapy for them. They try to portray their emotions towards others and what they feel at the moment by getting inked. It’s a way to feel empowered,” says Harish Shetty, psychiatrist.