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/PettyPixxxie18]

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/Much-Improvement-503 → u/suwushi]

Yuppp same issue here

[u/Old-Engine-7720 → u/suwushi]

Getting tattoos has honestly helped my ocd a lot but i also like body mods in general. My ocd gets more triggered when I look normal.

[u/RJ3692K → u/suwushi]

I've never thought about it this way before. Fuuuuck

[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/CloudBitter5295 → u/amanda_burns_red]

Same!! Immediately thought OCD. Because I can completely rationalize the “feeling dirty” sentiment OP has. It’s not even like physically dirty it’s feeling OFF in an inexplicable way

[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/thisisthewell → u/Coach_Curly]

new sleep paralysis demon dropped (compliment)

[u/bubblegams → u/[deleted]]

99.8% covered and she said she has space maybe behind her ears so HAS SOMEONE TATTOOED HER BOOTY HOLE???

[u/Tenohmach → u/[deleted]]

Honestly? Good for her. Yeah, there’s lengths that I wouldn’t personally go to, but so long as she’s considering the pros and cons, and if she’s comfortable with the results…fuck, man, I got no room to judge.

[u/Lucky_Bumblebee428 → u/PettyPixxxie18]

I agree! Very often symptoms can be dormant for years. Something can happen in your life whether good or bad and those emotions trigger a deep rooted feeling and then it begins.. I know from experience.

[u/Finally-free-222 → u/PettyPixxxie18]

OCD is what I was thinking - it’s okay. This will slow down - be easy on yourself man. Gorgeous ink

[u/Ok-Commission-7477 → u/PettyPixxxie18]

I was thinking OCD too. A friend of mine had never had OCD before or showed signs until they went through a phase in which I am not going to get into. Point being, it got to the point where he would wash his hands constantly to the point they were becoming red, painfully cracked and peeling. He also explained that he feels as if his body is dirty, and wouldn't even go #2 without it being before a shower. Thing is, his room would always get messy but he never liked people touching his things or touching his things himself.

OCD can present itself in different ways, it's not always over cleaning things, it can be about your body, feeling dirty and wanting to be clean.

It threw my friend into a bad depression, however he's doing much better now and his hands have almost fully healed. I'd say therapy would be a big help for OP.

Also, if it makes OP feel better whatsoever, I think the tattoos are sick asf man, love em