[ArtGrey]

Anyone with big tattoos that experienced some kind of anxiety afterwards would be greatly helpful. Anyone really. It's driving me nuts.

A few weeks ago I got a new tattoo, at first it was great then I realized that on my skin, it didn't look right, don't get me wrong it's a cool tattoo, I've gotten compliments. But it still doesn't feel right. Small details are off, well small to everyone else. But to me they're pretty noticeable.
I look at people with other tattoos and I'm not phased, if anything I think about how I can't have those tattoos because I have this one. Sometimes I look at people with bare arms and I wish I had that again. This big badge on my arm differentiates me from people very intensely I have a hard time relating to anyone. I'm beginning to see it's more of a mental issue rather than the tattoo itself. I sleep with long sleeves on sometimes to help myself forget.
Shortly after I got it I actually spiraled into an intense panic attack so now I look at the tattoo it kind of reminds me of it.
When I'm feeling low I hate the tattoo to the point I wish it weren't there, I just wish I had never gotten it, the "should have" thoughts come pouring in. But I know I can't erase it, I'm completely aware of that. Doesn't stop those feelings though. Sometimes just looking at the word tattoo twinges something like anxiety but just for a second.
When I'm calm and I feel good I feel alright about the tattoo, looking forward to getting it fixed.
I reached out to my mother, which was difficult for me... she wants to help me cover it with something I love while I'm home in a few weeks. I'm getting myself pumped up for it, because I know I won't let myself get carried away with whatever the artist wants this time (my mistake, I know, I know).
It's not the tattoo's fault, I'm sure. I want to stop blaming it, get past it and ignore the should haves or whatever.

[dysphoricspirit]

Lots of people end up regretting their tattoos, either because it doesn't turn out quite the way they expected it to, or because it doesn't really reflect what they are on the inside. sporting a visible Tattoo or a fancy haircut requires a lot of confidence, the kind of confidence I don't have, so I don't really know how you feel.

Agree that it's not the tattoo's fault, but there's nothing wrong it, don't let it prevent you from making new friends and relationships. Know that other people probably don't think as much about your tattoo as you do.

[Apathy123]

I have a large visible tattoo on my forearm. Now don't get me wrong, I love it, the art work is perfect but even I sometimes regret getting it. I've only had it since October and I get a lot of compliments on it but sometimes I wish I didn't have it.

Sometimes at work I have to cover it and that's a pain.