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55+ Anxiety Tattoo Ideas to Tell the Story of Your Mental Health

by Sherri Owens

From scripts and symbols to funny quotes, there are many anxiety tattoos that can help you represent your mental health issues in artistic form.

As a tattoo artist, I have had an increasing number of clients asking for mental health tattoos, with anxiety tattoos being especially common. They claim that these tattoos help them transform their fears and struggles.

In this brief guide, we will explore various anxiety tattoo ideas that symbolize resilience, inspiration, and so much more!

Anxiety Script Tattoos

Let's talk about anxiety script tattoos. These tattoo designs are a simple and straightforward way to express yourself and tell your story in ink. And, by being bold about your anxiety disorder, you can think of this tattoo as a way of wearing your strength on your skin. It can also be used to raise awareness about mental illness.

Shaded Style Anxiety Text Tattoo

Image by @filleapapatattooshop via Instagram

If you want, you can choose to keep your anxiety script tattoo minimalistic. Simply choose a font that you like and have the word anxiety inked on you. Such a tattoo can be a great option if you want a small tattoo or simply want to keep your tattoo hidden. This tattoo can be placed anywhere that you like!

Smudged Anxiety Lettering Tattoo

Image by @villains_tattoo_co via Instagram

In case you want your tattoo to reflect the emotions and mental state that you are stuck in when your anxiety hits, then consider an abstract or distorted design. The waved design can reflect the feeling of being unanchored when your symptoms take over.

Barbed Wire Anxiety Lettering Tattoo

Image by @crimclay via Instagram

You can also choose to add decorative elements to your anxiety design. This can include elements that are associated with your mental health issues. Or, you can go in the opposite direction and add concepts that make you cheerful or happy or have the power to make you laugh!

Strikethrough Anxiety Lettering with Daisy Flowers Tattoo

Image by @luvinink via Instagram

Lightning Style Anxiety Script Tattoo

Image by @art_in_tigerblood via Instagram

Tiger Face with Florals and Anxiety Text Tattoo

Image by @kelo.tattoo via Instagram

Fidget Spinner with Flowers and Anxiety Lettering Tattoo

Image by @carebeartattoos via Instagram

Anxiety Lollipop Tattoo

Image by @the_needlefaerie via Instagram

Anxiety Lettering Tattoo with Red Cross

Image by @taiinkchi via Instagram

Anxiety Decorative Thigh Tattoo

Image by @gargam.el via Instagram

Double Lined Anxiety Chest Tattoo

Image by @moonriver.tattoo via Instagram

Anxie-tea Tattoos

Ever thought about Anxie-tea tattoos? They're a cool and funny way to show your experience with anxiety.

Picture a cute tea cup tattoo, with a bunch of designs on it that mean something to you about your anxiety journey. Maybe there's a storm drawn inside the cup, showing the rough times, or a peaceful tea garden, showing the calm you find in the chaos. The handle could be shaped like a symbol of strength, and the tea leaves might show how you've grown.

Cup and Saucer with Anxie.TEA Leg Tattoo

Image by @thuertoos via Instagram

Another option would be to put the word anxie-tea on a tea bag. After all, being overwhelmed with anxiety can sometimes feel like you are drowning.

Anxie.TEA Tea Bag Tattoo

Image by @elustration via Instagram

Anxie-tea tattoos are a subtle yet powerful way to express your journey with anxiety. You can get them anywhere on your body, but they look particularly good on the forearm or ankle. So, if you're looking for a tattoo idea that's more on the symbolic side, this might be a good choice for you.

Semicolon Tattoos

Looking for a powerful anxiety tattoo idea? The semicolon tattoo might just be your thing. The semicolon comes from Project Semicolon and is based on mental health awareness.

Semicolon with Lines Tattoo

Image by @btn_tattoos via Instagram

In the world of grammar, a semi-colon keeps a sentence going when it could have ended. Kinda like you, right? Continuing your story, no matter the tough bits. This tattoo is a great one to get if you suffer from other mental health issues in addition to anxiety.

Arrow with Semicolon Forearm Tattoo

Image by @btn_tattoos via Instagram

This tattoo can be a symbol of your strength; it's like a little badge that says 'I'm still here, still going'. At the same time, it can be a wonderful way to find people just like you - the semicolon symbol is pretty well known and it can help others struggling with mental health to reach out to you.

Semicolon Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @btn_tattoos via Instagram

You can choose to get a simple semicolon design. You could also incorporate the semicolon into other design concepts. This includes a butterfly tattoo or a word associated with anxiety or mental health.

Semicolon with Color Splash Hand Tattoo

Image by @luluhell via Instagram

You can put this mental health tattoo anywhere, really. Maybe you want it somewhere you can see easily, or somewhere more private. Either way, it's a subtle but powerful way to wear your fight against anxiety on your skin.

Breathe Tattoos

There is evidence that breathing exercises can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and perhaps help with panic attacks as well. So, it makes sense to think about getting the word 'breathe' tattooed in a cool script. It could be on your wrist or perhaps tucked behind your ear. This tattoo is a simple but significant reminder to take a breath when things get tough.

Simple Breathe Lettering Tattoo

Image by @k_kirk02 via Instagram

The design and placement of this tattoo are all about you and your journey with anxiety. Every curve and line of the tattoo can match the rhythm of your breath. When you're feeling anxious, just looking at your tattoo can help you focus on your breathing. It's a pretty cool way to keep you in the present moment.

Bold Ink Breathe Text Tattoo

Image by @leahnessaharper via Instagram

If you're looking for a tattoo that's more than just a design, this might be a good choice for you. With a 'breathe' tattoo, you've got a personal reminder to stay calm, even when life gets stormy.

Breathe Lettering with Dandelions Forearm Tattoo

Image by @old_scratch_tattoo via Instagram

Breathe Lettering Matching Tattoo

Image by @ladyashybaby via Instagram

Black Ink Breathe Lettering Tattoo

Image by @tattoo.by.lee via Instagram

Tiny Breath Lettering Wrist Tattoo

Image by @inkster via Instagram

Inhale Exhale Tattoos

This is quite similar to the breathe tattoo, but it in this case, the inhale and exhale tattoo reminds you of the steps involved in your breathing exercises. Not only can this be useful for anyone with any type of anxiety disorder, it may be especially useful for those who suffer from panic attacks.

Lungs with Inhale and Exhale Tattoo

Image by @niko.shot.tattooer via Instagram

You can get it in a fancy script or fun typography if you want to keep the tattoo simple. In case you want a more detailed design, then you can actually get a lung design inked on you. For a lighter concept, consider adding a floral-based design.

Inhale and Exhale Triangle Tattoo

Image by @irezumiink via Instagram

This tattoo can be like a little nudge to get you back to the calming rhythm of your breath. You could put it on your wrist or forearm, so you can see it easily. Each letter is there to remind you to breathe in courage and breathe out doubt. It's a simple but powerful design. It's more than just ink on your skin, it's like having a personal mantra.

Inhale and Exhale Cursive Letter Tattoo

Image by @mairaegito via Instagram

It's like having a little cheerleader with you all the time, reminding you that you can handle whatever comes your way.

Bold Ink Inhale and Exhale Lettering Tattoo

Image by @acuna01 via Instagram

Lavender Tattoos

Lavender has long been used to help people feel calm - best of all, it is known to calm people down without causing a sedative effect. So, lavender tattoos can be a beautiful and cool constant reminder to keep calm.

Purple and Green Two Strand Lavender Tattoo

Image by @iristattooart via Instagram

Imagine having a lavender bloom tattoo. Its soft purple color and smooth lines can give you an instant chill vibe. It's like having a piece of the calming lavender scent with you all the time.

Watercolour Lavender Forearm Tattoo

Image by @mimiguoh via Instagram

You might go for a single sprig or a full-on bouquet, whatever works for you. The point is, lavender tattoos are simple but carry a deep message. They're like a little note to yourself to breathe, chill, and let go.

Lavender with Other Flowers Bracelet Tattoo

Image by @debrartist via Instagram

Black Ink Lavender Bouquet Tattoo

Image by @astraltattoo.nina via Instagram

Overthinking Tattoos

An overthinking tattoo can be a cool way to show the constant storm of thoughts you deal with when it comes to anxiety. It's your own personal story, told through a design on your skin, showing your struggle with overthinking.

Confused Woman Arm Tattoo

Image by @_ghost.grl via Instagram

Think about a tornado tattoo, with its swirls standing for your mind's constant twirling. Or maybe an intricate maze, representing the twisted trails of your thoughts that keep crossing over. A cracked hourglass could also show how you feel time is slipping away while you're stuck in your own thoughts.

Anxiety Atttacked and Overthinkiing Woman Tattoo

Image by @charlinedessine via Instagram

Every line, every detail, can bring your experience to life, making it real. It's more than just ink—it's a symbol of your strength and a light leading you through the storm of overthinking. That's what makes an overthinking tattoo so awesome.

Confused and Overthinking Man Tattoo

Image by @squirrel_gravy via Instagram

Stabbed Brain Overthinking Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbymeri via Instagram

Overthinking Woman Sketch Tattoo

Image by @patrycjakry via Instagram

Serotonin Tattoos

Serotonin tattoos, huh? They're all about the brain's happiness chemical. It's like wearing your battle with anxiety and other mental illnesses right on your skin. This design is super cool because it's a mix of struggle and strength. It's like saying, 'Hey, this is my journey, and I'm winning.'

Floral Serotonin Molecule Tattoo

Image by @jackotattoos via Instagram

These tattoos are usually pretty simple, kind of minimalist. Think of the serotonin molecule's structure - a bunch of rings and lines that you can play around with. Each line, each curve, can mean something different to you. It's your story, after all.

Serotonin Molecule with Breathe Lettering Tattoo

Image by @jennyormsby via Instagram

Floral and Space Serotonin Molecule Tattoo

Image by @monybrandonyart via Instagram

Serotonin tattoos can be your personal badge of honor. They're a light in the dark, a symbol of hope. And the best part? You can wear it with pride, wherever you want on your body.

Bold Line Serotonin Symbol Tattoo

Image by @yleniaattard via Instagram

Floral Serotonin Symbol with Mental Wellness Quote Tattoo

Image by @leoblackandgrey via Instagram

Serotonin Symbol Watercolour Splash Tattoo

Image by @laurathedrawer via Instagram

Floral Serotonin Symbol with Just Breathe Text Tattoo

Image by @blueeyesshortstuff via Instagram

Mind Over Matter Tattoos

A mind over matter tattoo is like a permanent pep talk that reminds you, you're tougher than your anxiety.

Black and Red Mind Matter Lettering Tattoo

Image by @tattoodo via Instagram

Picture a simple design. Maybe the words 'Mind Over Matter' in a soft handwriting style. Or go for something strong and standout, like a cool, graphic text. Maybe you want a picture instead - a brain winning over a storm or a mountain, or something else that speaks to you.

Bold Ink Mind Matter Text Tattoo

Image by @blackartistry101 via Instagram

Every time you catch sight of your tattoo, it's a little nudge: you're the boss, not your anxiety. It's your own story of strength, right there on your skin, quietly cheering you on. A 'Mind Over Matter' tattoo isn't just a bit of body art, it's like your own personal cheerleader.

Cursive Style Mind Matter Text Tattoo

Image by @tattoobychang via Instagram

Brain with Mind Matter Lettering Tattoo

Image by @340s_ink via Instagram

Anxiety Quotes Tattoo

Anxiety quotes tattoos are a cool way to express and handle your feelings. You pick words that click with your emotions. These tattoos are like your secret pep talk, giving you a nudge to breathe, to let go, to hang in there. They can reflect your struggles, inked gracefully on your skin.

Anxious Portrait with Quote Tattoo

Image by @papa.b via Instagram

Your Anxiety is Lying to You Delicate Script  Tattoo

Image by @talbooker via Instagram

I AM NOT MY ANXIETY Lettering Tattoo

Image by @eternaltattoos via Instagram

Think about a soft reminder on your wrist, like 'This too shall pass', or a bold statement on your forearm, like 'I am the storm'. Anxiety quote tattoos are more than just some ink; they're a chat with yourself, showing your toughness.

Man with Anxiety Quote Tattoo

Image by @woozymachinetattoos via Instagram

Colorful Anxiety Quote Tattoo

Image by @zaccelik via Instagram

Anxiety since birth Artistic Lettering Tattoo

Image by @itsmarcelice via Instagram

Anxiety Quote with Flowers Arm Tattoo

Image by @brandy.mills.965 via Instagram

Heart Shaped Cheeky Bums with Anxiety Quote Tattoo

Image by @sam_small_ink_ via Instagram

Raccoon with Cup of Tea and Anxiety Quote Tattoo

Image by @dlouisetattoo via Instagram

Brain, Florals with Anxiety Quote Tattoo

Image by @c_a_tattoo via Instagram

Conclusion

Tattoos can serve as vivid reminders of your journey, your strength, and the battles you've overcome. From anxiety lettering tattoos to serotonin tattoos, there's a myriad of ways to express your experience with anxiety.

Whether it's a gentle prompt to breathe or a declaration of mind over matter, these tattoos can be powerful symbols of resilience.

So, let your ink tell your story, wear your struggles like armor, and remember, you're stronger than your anxiety.

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