Carmelita

As you might remember my story about almost 2 years ago and I want to thank you guys again for how much you've been uplifting me with your honesty and your words. This post tattoo anxiety seems a very common thing. It hit me as well even though I was planning on getting a big one for many years. Many people have contacted me and having those feelings seems to be a very common thing, there seems to be the same pattern that people are going through. It looks to me that nowadays people want to have a solution for everything immediately if they don't feel comfortable with something. People don't know how to be patient anymore and get rid of something if they don't like it. People compare themselves way too much with others as it's what social media does with many people's minds. There are quite a few reasons that I could write about regarding post tattoo anxiety and I was thinking about posting my experience here as so many people have been reaching out to me and I can see there seems to be a common psychological process (I just don't really have the time to write things down in detail) Anyway: I can assure to everyone with this anxiety: YOU WILL GET OVER IT and live will go on. It might take some time but you will get there. Don't be hard on yourself and even if right now you're having panic attacks (which is a horrible feeling), it'll get less and you'll come to love your tattoo. It's a change you've done to your body and now your mind needs some time to adjust. Don't forget that you love tattoos and why you love them because this is hopefully the reason why you decided to get them.

It'll pass. If you check for my posts in this forum you'll find the thoughts, panic attacks I had. I know it is a weird feeling that can take over but it'l go away! Give it time.

I understand if you still keep worrying and overreacting and you know what? It's ok. I've been there. It wasn't really an easy time but it will pass. In this past year I've spoke to many who went through exactly the same. That feeling you have seems to be a very common thing. And what I can tell you as well is, that all of them came to peace with their tattoo. I think for some it takes time to get used to something on their body which hasn't been there before. It needs to settle in your mind. You're not the first one going through this and you also won't be the last one. I think it's something really nice to have. Try to turn your thoughts in to something positive. You have to stop blaming yourself. And yes, if you go search the group you will find mine and also how I felt. I'm really fine now ;-) and it's nothing that's going to stop me from living my life. Not at all. I'm proud to have it and so should you!

Hi there. First of all I think you have a very nice tattoo. I can very much relate to the feelings you're going through as my mind went crazy when I had my back piece done a little more than a year ago. I was obsessed with it. It felt like it wasn't part of my body and I wanted it gone. It took some time to get used to it and to accept it as part of me. My tattoo wasn't just an impulse decision, yet it felt like something too big, too dark, too weird on my body, I felt like i let down my family and kids and that I'm a freak. Well, now, quite some time later I can tell you I got used to it and I like my tattoo very very much and I'm back to being me, the strong, confident me. Give it time. If you feel weird right now it's ok. You'll be better! Don't be hard on yourself and keep living your normal life :-).

I had mine done in March. I think it took my about 4 months at least to let it settle. It was a bit weird at first to show it off in summer time when I went swimming. I always tried to hide it before but it would have been unfair to my kids to lock them in on the hot summer days and not go swimming. After all, I got some really nice compliments and it made me feel confident. It was a very emotional journey but those feelings that take over will pass. It really seems it's a very common feeling and other people reached out to me telling me about the same experience. I think it's just the mind that needs to adapt to the visible (but very nice) change on your body.

Hi there. Maybe you saw my post as well which was in spring this year. I had some serious regret and it totally messed with my mind. All I can say is: give it time, like everyone else here suggested. I got some honest opinions which at first didn't want to accept, because my mind wasn't ready. In my eyes it's a nice tattoo. Give it some time! I know it's easier sad than done but I really came to love mine and I do wear it proudly now and I'm sure you will too!

hi there. Thanks for the compliment. I'm seriously glad to say that the regret is gone. It took some time and it was a bumpy ride but I really came to love my tattoo and I'm proud of it :-). I had to let it become part of me but the support of this group is amazing!

Thank you. Maybe you didn't see my previous message ;-). I'm actually doing much better with my piece. Still adjusting but I like it more and more.

Hi there. Just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your feedback and compliments. As an update, I'm feeling so much better about my tattoo and I'm liking it more and more and it has become part of me and who I am. I had some tough times and wow my mind went crazy. You're opinions and words have helped me a lot getting over the negative thoughts and emotions I had and I'm really glad time has made me realise why I got my crow and even though I couldn't really show it off yet, I'm quite proud about it. This is a great community here and I really appreciate the honest feedback I got. Thank you!

even though still feeling my "remorse" it makes me laugh that you suggest planning the next tattoo :-) seems like you're really, really into it!

Thanks Dan!

Hi All Everybody has been a really great support in here and I'm letting my tattoo settle into my body. I just have another question regarding my work: The lines are really close to each other. Do you thing the spaces in between will dramatically fade into each other over the years?

Very well written. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that topic.

Thank you. I'm still having my weak moments but they're getting less. I am giving myself some time and of course my goal is to adore and be absolutely in love with it. I mean this is why I chose it and decided to go through with it, right? Everyone here has been a huge help so far and I'm really amazed by it. So thank you!

Thanks!

I sent you a pm

Thanks a lot. It really helps to hear all the positive comments. I have something in mind to complement my new Tattoo but first I'll just need to let it settle.

"Really big Tat" aaaaaahhh! ;-). Well I think this is one of the reasons why i got panic. I know I can hide it if I need to. But as said I'd rather change my mind into being really proud showing it and just not bothering about it ;-). It sure is an interesting process and I'm currently learning a lot about myself on top of it.

Thanks. And yes I'm sure they'll be embarrassed of me ;-).

they indeed might want them too ;-)

Thank you so much for those words and your opinion. I'm getting more and more confident about it. I think ever since I became a mom some things changed. My anxiety is a bit less now and I hope this process is over soon. It's just weird this happens, I never heard of it. Again, thanks for the words.

Working on it ;-) Thanks

Tattoo has nicely healed of which I'm glad. But yes, it for sure takes time to get used to it. I just always wanted tattoos. Now I'm a Mom of 2 and around 40. I just always admired tattoos so much I just never thought you could feel bad about having them. I mean, I planned it for a long time but I just didn't think this could happen. I will give it time. Thank you!

Yes I know I have to be patient and let it settle before doing anything else this includes the thought of removing it or having another (big) one ;-). Thank you all so much for your replies. I think this might really help me in my current process of letting the tattoo become part of me and my identity.

Well I really hope I get over it. I'm still torn between loving and hating it. But as I said, removal wouldn't help it. My goal though only would be to balance it out with something on my upper right arm, although I love seeing a lot of tattoos on other people. How long did it take you to get over it? I know it's individual....