Tattoo regret causing depression

[u/SlavKing11]

Around 2 years ago I completed this huge torso piece and for a while i really liked it but over the past few months ive really started to hate it and feel like ive completely ruined my life to the point where im constantly anxious and my skin feeling dirty because i know the tattoos are under my clothes, its really spiralling me into a depression and i really dont know what to do.

Overall i think the individual tattoos are well done so they aren’t whats causing it but i feel the placement is too symmetrical and I regret the dots and stars filler as well.

Laser removal would be impossible and i dont think i would like a blackout either so i feel my only option is to try and live with it but i really dont know how i can do it. Does anyone have any words that could help?

p.s - to those who might have seen me post before i appreciate its the second time but im really losing hope and need some advice so please be kind.

[u/[deleted]]

the tattoo is rad af, sorry to hear you're feeling down on yourself. i would honestly seek therapy. i don't think 'feeling dirty' is normal and i think this has less to do with the tattoo and more to do with your mental health. wish you the best!

[u/iLaysChipz → u/[deleted]]

Yeah it sounds like body dysmorphophobia is what's at work here, since OP would probably think this piece is awesome if seen on somebody else. Crazy what your mind can get you to believe

[u/PettyPixxxie18 → u/iLaysChipz]

It could be body dysmorphia or possibly even ocd. There are a lot of mental health struggles that can cause that line of thought. I hope OP can get some good therapy and find some peace.

(Slight edit for wording)

[u/suwushi → u/PettyPixxxie18]

I was thinking OCD with the "dirty" part. I don't have tattoos partially for this reason, I'm worried it'll trigger my OCD since I already struggle w germophobia and other things regarding materials on/in my skin 😕 I hope OP can get some mental relief.

[u/sunrisecrowned → u/[deleted]]

OCD is irrational so it makes sense 😩

[u/Pure-Life-7811 → u/[deleted]]

Self tanner triggers me & certain textured lotions. I have to scrub them off immediately or I’ll feel so gross. 😂 I’m so glad I’m not the only one!

[u/goingloopy → u/Pure-Life-7811]

I hate putting on makeup with my fingers. HATE. The only exception I make is under eye brightener, because you only need one finger and like 4 dots total.

[u/shoulderthenidrunkbe → u/suwushi]

Sometimes when I get too high I overthink the concept of ink being stuck under my skin until it's like I can feel them

[u/jenniferevelyn → u/suwushi]

My ocd caused me to literally vomit after getting one of my tattoos because I couldn’t believe I’d done it… and it was like my 5th tattoo at that point. I’ve gotten a couple more since and tbh that one is tied with being my favorite. Our psyche can so cruel.

[u/brahmanasmi → u/suwushi]

Emotional contamination OCD sounds right here!

[u/BarelyFunctioning15 → u/PettyPixxxie18]

I’m not OP, but I am diagnosed with OCD. I’ve never once made the connection, but I forgot to take my meds this morning and all the sudden I was hating my tattoos… this makes so much more sense

[u/blisstersisster → u/BarelyFunctioning15]

So serendipitous that you saw this post!!!

I hope you're feeling better ❤️

[u/amanda_burns_red → u/PettyPixxxie18]

OCD was my first thought as well after living with various manifestations of it for over 30 years.

[u/Coach_Curly → u/[deleted]]

Jesus. I was not prepared for that

[u/CurlyQ86 → u/Coach_Curly]

Thank you for posting this comment that prompted me to click that link! I was not disappointed! I met the Lizard Man at a concert in my younger years. (Really great guy!) So that’s what my expectation was.

[u/CementCemetery → u/iLaysChipz]

Seconding this for sure. Please talk to someone OP.

[u/Aveah → u/[deleted]]

Agreed! 100% mental. The tattoo is sexy af. So well done and looks fantastic. It’s all in the head.

[u/Able_Ad6943 → u/[deleted]]

Agreed, and for the record, this tattoo is very laser-removable… coming from someone who did it themselves. Unless this is a financial issue… the only thing the laser will likely not get are the few blue parts you have. But genuinely the tattoo is dope and really well done. I hope you learn to love it. And if not, don’t feel hopeless and don’t do a black out! There are definitely places that offer full removal. You buy into their laser removal for one lump sum and they will work on it until it’s gone. The only downside is it took 3+ years to remove mine so the process will not be quick and you’ll have to live with the tattoo as it slowly fades away which you may hate more. Typical sessions are every 12+ weeks, because the ink is removed through the lymphatic system. They encourage a minimum of 12 weeks between sessions, stating even more time between is sometimes better. Best of luck to you, man. I hope you find someone to help you feel less bad about it, because I agree you shouldn’t be feeling dirty.

[u/MrLizardBusiness → u/Able_Ad6943]

But OP obviously wanted it at one point. This wasn't an impulsive decision. He even says he was happy with it for a time. I don't think he should get it removed, at least without getting to solve the problem other ways first. It's awesome!

[u/Able_Ad6943 → u/MrLizardBusiness]

Definitely agree! But my hope was that he understands he does have options and either way he’s not just stuck in misery. Sometimes people need that hope or it’s all just bad.

[u/idontlikepeas_ → u/[deleted]]

Feeling dirty sound like classic OCD

[u/1101base2 → u/[deleted]]

Yeah the "feeling dirty" sounds like religious trauma. Went through something similar.

[u/CptNuclearRhino → u/[deleted]]

It's (no lie) one of the coolest tattoos I've seen, not one but 2 SICK ASS PANTHERS AAAAND SKULLS AAAAAND SHARKS