35 Mental Health Tattoos: Ideas & Symbols for Awareness

Major depressive disorder is the most common mental health issue in the US. It touches the lives of millions of Americans each year and affects about 7% of the population. Understanding and remedying depression is a lifetime struggle for many people. Because it is such a huge part of our society, many people are trying to remove the stigma and let others know they are not alone by getting depression tattoos.

Tattoos are the most personal form of self-expression and when it comes to mental health, these tattoos become even more meaningful. Mental health tattoos come in all shapes, sizes, and subject matter. Because no one’s individual fight with depression is the same, tattoos can range from hopeful and inspiring to expressing sadness and melancholia. We decided to take a look at some of the latest designs people have shared on social media to get a better understanding of how people are manifesting their emotions. Here are 35 depression tattoos and mental health tattoos that prove no one is alone in their strife.

Cloudy

Depression can feel like an ominous cloud looming over you and obstructing your vision. Here, we find a beautiful expression of that sentiment. You’ll see a number of cloud-themed tattoos on this list. It’s a powerful symbol.

Love Yourself

The person with this tattoo shared that it’s a reminder to love yourself and practice self-care. The delicate flowers here offer a glimmer of hope.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Hope can be hard to come by if you’re suffering from depression. This person’s tattoo is a reminder to always look to the light at the end of the tunnel. Things will improve.

It’s Okay

“It’s okay to not be okay,” is a wonderful message that attempts to spread acceptance. You’ll notice the small butterfly is composed with a semicolon. It’s a popular mental health tattoo that many sufferers choose.

More Than Meets the Eye

The tattoo artist who shared this image wrote, “it is always mixed emotions creating these pieces based off of others anxiety or depression. if one thing though, its helped me realize i am not alone in /facing/ those pesky demons.”

It’s Okay to Cry

The messages from sympathetic artists are truly wonderful. The tattooed who did this design named it “drowning in tears.” They wrote:

“This was one of my most inspiring, intimate and emotional sessions so far! My customer is struggling from depression lately and her mood changes a lot. So she asked me during the lockdown to design a tattoo for her that combines the three themes of depression, moodchanging and apnea (holding breath). This is it! Thank you G. that you came to me with this intimate topic and trusted me! Thank you for the wonderful experience! You are such a lovely and strong Girl, please keep that in mind always. It was an honor to decorate your body with my art!”

A Challenge

The person with this tattoo described it as a representation of their depression. They wrote, “knowing, that it will end and that the sun still shines.” We love the small flower coming from the chaotic squiggle and the cute little son on top.

Negative Voices

It can be difficult for anyone to not let doubts or negative thoughts creep in. This tattoo shows how those detrimental voices can feel.

Rain, Rain Go Away

As we mentioned, clouds are popular symbols of depression because they bring darkness, rain, and fear. However, they always pass. This micro tattoo of a cloud is a helpful reminder of that.

It Will Pass

If you ask any tattoo artist what they tattoo the most, they’ll almost always tell you this phrase. “This too shall pass” like the cloud is an affirmation that things do get better even when that seems impossible.

Really

This is a very cool design that shows a storm underneath the umbrella. You’ll see this motif often if you look at depression tattoos.

Layers

For many dealing with depression, it can feel as if you’re wearing a mask to prove to the world that you’re okay. However, underneath that are many emotions inside. This gorgeous tattoo perfectly represents it.

It Can Take Hold

This giant red hand represents depression and how it can take you prisoner. This creative design is one of the most effective on the list.

Fuzzy

The person with this tattoo explained that it was gotten to cover old scars. This deeply personal design represents a complicated time and we appreciate them sharing this image.

It Can Feel Like a Monster

The person with this tattoo wrote that it is based on artwork about depression by Shawn Cross. We’d say they nailed it.

Weighed Down

On Fiona Apple’s latest album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters (which happens to be the soundtrack to the pandemic), she wrote a song about depression called “Heavy Balloon.” The lyrics “People like us we play with a heavy balloon / Keep it up to keep the devil at bay but it always falls way too soon.”

Hold Yourself

This very cool design represents depression for the person who got it. For some, it can feel like being held by a monster.

The Mind

This happy/sad monster is pretty incredible in its simplicity. We love the handpoked look here which helps give the tattoo even more personality.

Delicate

This is a stunner. The tattoo artist created this original design as a first tattoo for his client. He shared the image along with the quote:

“Changing is not just changing the things outside of us. First of all we need the right view that transcends all notions including of being and non-being, creator and creature, mind and spirit. That kind of insight is crucial for transformation and healing.”

Keep Going

“And here I am living despite it all,” is an incredible quote for this tattoo. We love this meaningful and somber tattoo and its positive message.

RELATED: 30 Thought-Provoking Quote Tattoos with Profound Significance

Healing Takes Time

Here, we find a brain being medicated which is the perfect visual representation of treating depression. We love the fine, sharp lines the artist was able to use here. Great work!

Surreal

The person who shared this tattoo wrote that it is a surrealist representation of winning his fight with depression. This gorgeous design is both personal and thought-provoking.

Happy Pills

Prioritizing your mental health is a thing worth celebrating. We find one of the most colorful tattoos in the form of this lovely, pink pill bottle. Take your meds, folks.

Who Am I?

One of the most difficult parts of mental illness is the way a disorder can change your view of yourself. As this tattoo illustrates, you may feel a sense of loss or even disassociate.

Rise Again

“I am standing in the ashes of who I used to be,” the person who shared this Phoenix tattoo captioned the image. It’s a wonderful sentiment paired with this powerful symbol of rebirth.

Out of Order

Have you ever felt “out of order?” You’re not alone. This beautifully tattooed design is such a powerful expression of how so many mental health sufferers feel.

I’ll Be Fine

At times, we can all use a gentle reminder that things will eventually work out. Even if it might not feel that way in a moment of despair, it’s a lovely sentiment that likely sees this person through.

Lotus Flower

This simple yet elegant lotus flower tattoo is a powerful symbol for those suffering from mental illness. The flower represents strength, regeneration, and perseverance. It’s also gorgeous so a win-win for a tattoo.

No Shame

There really is “no shame in the medicine game.” We all must do whatever is necessary to address our mental health issues. If a doctor tells you meds are the right way to go, don’t feel shame. It’s totally normal.

What Lurks Beneath

To start, this mental health tattoo is one of the most gorgeous designs on this entire list. It’s beautifully tattooed with plenty of care. For many suffering from mental illness, it can feel like there’s something hijacking your happiness. This tattoo is a beautiful illustration of that.

Keep Going

“Choose to keep going,” this mental health tattoo says. It’s a beautiful watercolor design that incorporates some color along with this helpful message.

A Letter to You

This handsome mental health tattoo is fashioned to look like a letter “to myself.” It’s a reminder to keep fighting. What an amazing idea for a tattoo!

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Stay Strong

“Stay strong,” is a beatufiul message of encouragement that pairs well with a beautiful rose and some geometric flourishes. We love a flower tattoo and this is one of our favorites.

There you go! 35 depression tattoos that tackle mental health and all of its complexities. We hope you enjoyed these designs and feel inspired and hopeful. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, visit MentalHealth.gov where you can find resources and a helpline if you would like to speak with someone.