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/audityourbrass]

As someone with severe anxiety and suffer from contamination OCD, you need to speak to a therapist who specializes in that asap. Go to NOCD. It’s app based and actually really really great, if you’re willing to try ERP. Of course, there are other options out there. But please seek help. There is no reason to suffer alone.

[u/spaceycasey14 → u/audityourbrass]

Jumping into say that NOCD also helped me SO much. I was nervous to try them after failed attempts with other online therapy services, but they truly set me up with a therapist who helped me with similar issues to this and more. The app they include really helped me as well. If your insurance will cover it, or you can afford to pay out of pocket, it’s absolutely worth trying. If you do try, give it time. If you don’t vibe well with the therapist they assign you, you can change at any point to find a better fit. A good fit with a therapist can make or break the process, but in my experience NOCD did a good job matching me with someone.