[Withered-Rose79]

Has anyone ever substituted self injury with getting tattoos? Instead of cutting, I'll go get something inspirational tattooed on me.

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[blackwhitered]

I know people who do this. Ditto piercings. As long as you are ready to put something on your skin forever, and it's not something stupid, I don't see the problem. Some people put something inspirational where they self harm to discourage themselves from doing it again.

[shezbut]

I like that idea!

Of course, money is an issue for me though.

I've often joked with my tattooist about how tattoos are just a socially acceptable form of self harm.

Seriously though while I've found that in times of great stress getting new ink can be tension relieving I don't think it's necessarily a substitute for my self harm. I don't feel the same about tattoo related pain as I did when self harming.

[Trippin2.0]

I have tattoos, but that's not the reason why.
I would probably be covered in ink if it were...

That being said, you did just remind me of a tattoo (and its back story) that I read about in a book.

The character had "Check it before you wreck it" tattooed on her wrist to remind her she survived for a reason, and to take a step back and breath before she reacts.

I'm toying with the idea of doing that myself, although it would be quite the contrast from my other wrist... who knows?

Maybe I will, maybe I won't...

[dolphin20017]

I'm thinking about getting a tattoo that says "what doesn't kill me makes me stronger" on my left forearm to cover my scars.....

[Kimaya]

I like tattoos in general, I am hesitant though because I am still trying to lose weight and I have kinda a big tattoo planned. I don't want it to get messed up.

If you are using it as a helpful method in a reminder sense like the 'check it before you wreck it' or like putting pretty/inspiring art to make you feel soothed to look at, but I don't see how it could sub for NSSI urges.

But if you mean decorating yourself with inspiring art, why I think that's a great idea I try to make my areas filled with things which I like. Especially my work area.

[SoupDragon]

Yep
And it can be addictive - not sure if that is because of the art work or the pain.

[hiddenfriend]

Using ink to replace cutting doesn't work. I 14 tattoos and I cut up until recently, no relapses as of yet. I did get a compass tattoo to cover a scar that I wish I never had some of my other ones I am leaving to remember though. My wrists are already tatted now my forearms are covered. Working on full sleeves.

[Achy Turtle Armor]

I give blood when I can as a substitute. I get to feel a bit of pain and feel the warm blood in the tubes that lay on my arm. It's good but one can't give blood very often. I like getting tats for the same reason but it costs money and my husband doesn't want me to get any more.

[zombie paloma]

I went through a period of dissociation and thought I had died and was sitting in what was now hell. Weird I know! When I recovered, I got a small tattoo on each pulse point on my wrists to remind myself that I'm still alive and kicking.

[Heather Unbalanced]

Personally, I am not a fan f tattoos at all.
But for those that are, this is a brilliant idea.
I had to commend you on this idea and sharing it!

[Heather Unbalanced]

But going with that train of thought and like some other people mentined...piercngs!
I do LOVE piercings and I cant believe I never thought of using it as a supplement before. Thank you for this thread. I just gave myself a new piercing...temped to give myself a couple more new ones but Ill wait, haha, or else ill end up with 1000...though that wouldnt be so bad =p