Many people get tattoos to symbolize their struggles with anxiety and help them cope. These tattoos remind them to stay calm and grounded when they need a distraction from negative feelings. Anxiety tattoos are very personal and can be a symbol, a phrase or an image that has a soothing effect.
Let’s take a look at some beautiful anxiety tattoos that can offer comfort and trigger a positive state of mind.
1. Breathe Script Tattoo
The simple reminder to breathe is the most common anxiety tattoo—going back to the basics is more powerful than it might seem. Everyone struggling with this issue understands why: it has been proven time and time again that focusing on your breath keeps you grounded in the moment and helps deal with stress and anxiety.
2. Om Symbol Tattoo
Om is a sacred sound that you might have encountered in yoga class as a chant meant to ease the mind and help you calm down. This stylized symbol is another reminder to slow down and take a breath.
3. Mindfulness Symbol
Most spiritual symbols are ancient and have years of tradition behind it, but the mindfulness symbol was created by a graphic designer around a decade ago. Shaped like a mirrored water drop, it’s a reminder to stay centered and present in the moment.
4. Calm Reminder
Most people choose their anxiety tattoo design based on what helps them calm down. Sometimes, these pieces are obvious, like this “inhale/exhale” script, but some designs are inconspicuous. What phrase or image soothes you?
5. Infinity Symbol Tattoo
The endless loop of the infinity symbol represents different things for different people, but it’s always about something never-ending. As an anxiety tattoo, it can be the symbol of the universe where everything is connected in an infinite cycle or it can remind you of infinite possibilities.
6. Semicolon Tattoo
In writing, a semicolon is used to connect two complete but related sentences. As a symbol, it’s says that it’s not over yet. The semicolon tattoo represents struggle with mental health and the commitment to keep going.
7. Anchor Tattoo
An anchor keeps a boat stable, preventing it from drifting or being carried away by the currents. An anchor tattoo is a reminder to stay grounded and not be swept away by anxiety.
8. Phoenix Tattoo
The mythical Phoenix represents endurance, hope and the possibility of a fresh start. According to legend, this immortal bird would burst into flames when its time would come, then rise anew from the ashes, resurrected. Besides the powerful message, tattoos depicting this magnificent bird are intricate and very beautiful.
9. Motto Tattoo
What inspires you? Combining a word, a phrase or a quote you find meaningful with an image that soothes you will bring you to a positive state of mind. The best placement for these tattoos are visible locations you can look at when you need comfort.
10. Mindfulness Reminder
Worrying about the past or the future is futile, and so is worrying about what other people do. It has no effect on the outcome of whatever you’re worrying about, and instead only brings anxiety. Reminding you to stay present in the moment, a mindfulness tattoo can help you avoid these thoughts.
11. Lotus Flower Tattoo
The lotus plant thrives under harsh conditions: it roots itself in the mud and blooms above water with one of the most beautiful flowers on Earth, symbolizing strength and resilience. Choose a lotus flower tattoo if you want a gorgeous design that also reminds you that you can overcome anything.
12. Birds Tattoo
Bird tattoos are always about freedom; cast off the shackles of your anxiety and rise above!
13. Quotation Marks
A tattoo of empty quotation marks without a quote inside inspires you to slow down and be still, taking a step back from the noise. It’s also a reminder that you’re living your own story—you’re not using someone else’s words or walking someone else’s path, but leaving space for your own.
14. Butterfly Tattoo
In addition to being popular for their beauty, butterflies are a common subject of tattoos because of what they represent: transformation and personal growth. They remind you that whatever you’re going through, you’ll emerge stronger on the other side.
15. Meditation Tattoo
Meditation can reduce stress and anxiety, even prevent a panic attack. This cute tattoo with a simplified line design of a person meditating is a reminder to pause for a moment and take a breath.
16. Nature Tattoo
Spending time in nature is healing. It boosts mood, lifts spirits and lowers stress. Even though it can never be a substitute for the real thing, a tattoo of your favorite pieces of nature can bring some of its serenity to your mind while you’re away from rivers and forests.
17. Sun And Moon Tattoos
Just as the Sun and the Moon switch places and night turns into day, whatever troubles you will come to pass. These powerful elements can be combined in numerous ways to create stunning tattoo designs—here’s a simple and beautiful example.
18. Arrow Tattoo
Believe, and keep going. Combining an arrow, representing movement, and a word of encouragement, this tattoo is a symbol of the strength to power through.
19. Mantra Tattoo
A tattoo of an affirmation or a mantra that inspires you will bring you positive thoughts and boost your confidence. These designs are the most powerful when you choose something that really speaks to you.
20. Feather Tattoo
This super-design combines several elements popular for anxiety tattoos: birds, the infinity symbol, an inspirational word and a feather. Have faith that you can let go of your burdens and be light as a feather, free to explore endless possibilities.