16 Mental Health Tattoo Ideas to Remind You of Your Worth

Sometimes, you need a visual reminder of who you are and what you are worth, and what better way to ensure that it’s always with you than getting a tattoo? Here are several mental health tattoo ideas that you can use for your next session. 

1. Semicolon

Life is a story, and you are the author. The semicolon is used by millions of people ever since it was popularized as a symbol of resilience. It’s important to know that you can pause and continue life at your own pace, and this is a great representation to use. Some people have the punctuation mark tattooed as it is, or they incorporate it into other art designs. 

2. Butterfly

Butterflies are creatures of transformation, representing the importance of patience and new beginnings. Humans go through so many stages of life and change is inevitable. This mental health tattoo can symbolize your process of going through hard situations and emerging as a better version of yourself. 

3. Lotus Flower

Lotus flowers are viewed as an object of beauty that resides in even the murkiest waters. Many mental health enthusiasts appreciate this blossom’s symbolism of overcoming adversity and staying true to oneself. You can also lean into its impact in terms of appearance as a way of finally loving your face and physique. 

4. Dandelion

Dandelions are similar to lotus flowers in terms of resilience, as they can grow even in cracks, corners and other odd places. They are also much more delicate flowers that people blow and use to make wishes out of. It can help symbolize how you remain soft and full of love for the world, no matter what it throws at you. 

5. Heartbeat

A heartbeat is a mental health tattoo idea that would help you celebrate life. It can symbolize the physical health struggles that you might have overcome in the past. It can also be a part of the mental and emotional hardships that have come your way— after all, life is full of ups and downs, similar to how an electrocardiogram looks.

6. Bow and Arrow

The bow and arrow have always had so much philosophical meaning. For example, the tension needed to pull back the bow can be a symbol of how people need to make hard decisions from time to time. Meanwhile, the release of the bow and launching the arrow forward can symbolize growth and reaping the fruits of your labor. 

7. Phoenix

The phoenix is a mythical bird known to rise from the ashes. It can also embody new beginnings and perseverance no matter the circumstances. For a more minimalist style, it can be a gripping design in black. However, you can also set it apart from other bird tattoos by requesting your artist to use fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. 

8. Doves

If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, maybe you want to get a dove tattoo. It is one of Aphrodite’s prominent symbols beside swans and pomegranates, and can help signify her love and beauty. It can specifically tie into your journey toward self-acceptance and self-love, as well as a commitment to be more caring toward yourself. 

9. Turtle

Slow and steady wins the race. Adding an adorable turtle can be a reminder that you can take things at your own pace and that you’ll eventually get where you want to be. It can also be a metaphor of how you might be growing out of your shell while still carrying the weight and lessons of all your past experiences with you. 

10. Anchor

Anchors are viewed as symbols of stability and grounding, able to hold down ships multiple times their size. It’s a great mental health tattoo idea that would represent your inner strength and hold true to yourself even when chaos occurs. You can have this tattoo placed on your ankle or other parts of your lower limbs. 

11. Moon Phases

The moon goes through multiple phases at a time. Sometimes, it can be a crescent— other times, it can be just half of a whole. It’s important to recognize that evolution can take many stages, and it’s often not even linear. Nevertheless, whether you’re feeling like a full moon or just a fraction of that, know that it’s valid and natural. 

12. Hands Holding Each Other

Hands holding each other can be a beautiful reminder to yourself that you can reach out to other people, as mental health is all about supporting the ones you love and receiving that care in return. You can take a photo of you and loved one’s hand clasped with one another and have an artist take the outline of that imagery into your design. 

13. Serotonin Molecule

Serotonin is the happy chemical that’s integral to your mental health. In the medical world, it’s known to affect your mood and emotions, along with the sleep-wake cycles and body clock. Having the molecule form tattooed on your body can be a way of manifesting these hormones and the joy that comes with it. 

14. Glass Half Full

The glass half full or glass half empty debate is all about perspective. One side is all about optimism and seeing the bright side in every situation, while the other ponders more on the negative side of things. No matter which side of the argument you are on, this tattoo serves as a reminder that you dictate how you perceive the world. 

15. Native Words or a Phrase

Tattoos can be a personal form of expression, and what else could be more personal than your mother tongue? Pick a phrase in your native language that’s related to your mental health journey. For instance, “laban” is Tagalog for “fight.” “No te Rindas” in Mexican Spanish means “Don’t give up.”

16. Your Favorite Song Lyrics

Another option for a word tattoo is to pick a short and sweet lyric from a song that helped you to stay strong when times were tough. For instance, “You’re On Your Own Kid” by Taylor Swift has many deep phrases. The title itself is a daunting reminder that you are independent, but it also reassures you to take your steps and enjoy the moments along the way. 

Explore Different Mental Health Tattoo Ideas

Tattoos are beautiful works of body art, and they can affirm your past experiences and personal growth. Choose which mental health tattoo ideas call out to you and have them as a permanent part of your journey moving forward.