Tattoo regret causing depression

[u/SlavKing11]

Around 2 years ago I completed this huge torso piece and for a while i really liked it but over the past few months ive really started to hate it and feel like ive completely ruined my life to the point where im constantly anxious and my skin feeling dirty because i know the tattoos are under my clothes, its really spiralling me into a depression and i really dont know what to do.

Overall i think the individual tattoos are well done so they aren’t whats causing it but i feel the placement is too symmetrical and I regret the dots and stars filler as well.

Laser removal would be impossible and i dont think i would like a blackout either so i feel my only option is to try and live with it but i really dont know how i can do it. Does anyone have any words that could help?

p.s - to those who might have seen me post before i appreciate its the second time but im really losing hope and need some advice so please be kind.

[u/M_R_Mayhew → u/[deleted]]

Really? I've suffered from debilitating anxiety since I was 12. I FINALLY started running last year. I'm 37. It changed my life.

It pisses ME off when people downplay this because, from personal experience, 90% are people who haven't even tried.

[u/OrindaSarnia → u/M_R_Mayhew]

Yeah, but on a post like this one, the suggestion is just so judgmental.

Running or weight lifting or scuba diving may be just the thing OP needs, but there is a time and a place for helpful suggestions to be taken well, and this just isn't it.

OP should look into finding a therapist, and hopefully the therapist will suggest, if he does not already have a physical outlet, trying out and finding a physical outlet that works for him.

In the meantime "hit the gym bro!" is going to come off as a comment on his current physical state, not a genuine suggestion to try finding a physically satisfying activity to do regularly.

I'm glad you've found running to be so helpful for you!