This Bird Needs to Fly Away...Norway, NO

Welcome, so glad that you joined the community to help you through this. I am so sorry that you are experiencing such heartache and agony over your tattoo. It seems unreal to think that a tattoo that we don't like becomes almost like a handicap. I have been exactly where you are (my review is Blackberry11) I didn't realized until that moment when I felt that dark cloud come over me how attached I was to the way I looked and how vulnerable that made me. In a way when I look back that scares me and I have learned that we shouldn't be so attached to ourselves because in a moment (whether by our decision or not) anything can change. For me this was a lesson, and we usually don't see the lesson while we are learning it (otherwise it wouldn't be a lesson - right). Right now you feel like you have lost your place in life, you feel out of tune - out of balance. You are just going through a shift right now, and you will regain your balance in life, just take it one step at a time. I realize it seems impossible right now, things are just too painful for you and because things didn't go as you had hoped it's easy to stop living and turn on yourself. I must tell you that by doing so it doesn't help you, it's ok to be angry and frustrated and we must let out our true emotions, but in order to restore our life you must take hold of the reigns again and start to guide your way back to happiness and let go of those feelings holding you back. Be kind and loving to yourself, don't close yourself off from the world. I heard a beautiful quote the other day: "There is a trustworthy road through whatever life brings. Loving yourself will help you find it"

Hi Birdo. Sorry to hear you're regretting your new tattoo. Firstly, well done for doing your research. It sounds like you already know a fair bit about removal, where as when I started I did absolutely nothing beforehand except look at cost. It's going to take time to remove this; those dense outlines are as dark as my tattoo was when I began my removal. However, almost two years later my tattoo is transformed and I am *hoping* that I don't have much further to go. It's okay to cry and it's ok to feel down. You need to keep doing it until you get past the initial regret which is definitely the worst stage. When you finally begin removal you'll have the support from everyone on the site. Again, just remember that tattoo removal takes time, so in the meantime try and embrace the tattoo and remember that it's only a minor setback in your life. :-)

Thanks for adding the photo, I have to say - I love the concept of your tattoo...if I am not mistaken is this a Native style of art...I love the colors.

Hey! Your most recent update could have been written by me! I can relate to what you've been going through, 100%. The only difference is that I've been feeling that way for over a year now. I've finally decided to take steps to doing something about this, as I'm not prepared to let this thing poison my mind for too much longer. Next month I have a meeting with a therapist, to hopefully talk things out and realise that this thing isn't as bigger deal as I've managed to make it. Perhaps you could arrange something like that? In my opinion, talking should come first, then if that doesn't get you too far, medication could be something to try. Also, exercise is important. I haven't been doing as much as normal lately, because of the heat, and I can tell the difference. But just some light exercise each day can release all sorts of positive chemicals in to your brain! Don't ever be sorry to write candidly on here exactly how you're feeling. This forum pretty much doubles up as a support group, as well as a place to review the procedure itself - and it's overwhelming how much people actually care. Keep riding those ups and downs, the rollercoaster WILL come to an end sooner or later. We'll be here for you :)

Hi Birdo, I had exactly the same experience when I had my tattoo done. I didn't know who I was anymore, it was like I had lost myself. I was feeling completly "out of the group", really depressed and couldn't remember how I was before I had it done. I thought people were going to judge me forever which is crazy because I have other tattoos in visible places and never felt like this before. This was only two months ago and I've already decided to have it removed and already had one laser session. I think the worst thing is this feeling of shame because you have done one thing that you thought you were going to like and than you have a crazy regret and depression. And you feel even more ashamed because you think a tattoo is such a small thing and maybe people will judge you even more for being depressed over this (at least I felt like this). Well, I went to a therapist and even started to take medicine and it's helping a lot. Also the support of some very few (non-judgemental) people who know what I'm being through are helping a lot. Now, only two months after regreting my tattoo, I don't keep thinking the "I wish I had a time-machine to go back to that day". Instead, I think I've learned so much with this experience that I feel much stronger to deal with even worst problems in the future. I realized that it's just a tattoo and if it takes two or three years to get it removed or even if I decide to cover-up with another thing that I really like, in the future this will be just one more step in the story of my life. I think each person has your own story and we don't have to keep comparing ourselves to other people. We take risks and make mistakes and the worst the mistake the wiser you become afterwards. You are still the same person. We have to forgive ourselves and start to care less about others opinions. You will recover you happiness and self-steem soon and any decision that you take is also fine. Well, that's what I have to say for now. Sorry for any english mistakes :p By the way, I think your tattoo is really really awesome! - I know it doesn't help very much because it's you who have to like it not us - but it is a really cool tattoo :)

Hey hun. I am sorry you have found yourself in this spot. I took thearpy myself after getting my sleeve outlined. and will probably go back. It has helped. I would encourage you to hold off on removal quite yet. I know its REALLY hard to not take action (trust me, I am currently struggling) But once you start to laser, you cannot take it back. Ihave talked with many people who have gotten tattos and they said they had similar shock, but after a year, it sort of went away. When you are trying to keep it together, a year seems like a long time to be miserable, but that is why this forum exists, to supports. Go to thearpy, for me I found out I triggered a lot of past issues that had nothing to do with the tattoo, and I am still working through. In a year, if I still do not like the tattoo I will then consider lasering, but now I am seeing if it is the tattoo, or something deeper. Regardless, people are here to support your choices. Just remember DEPRESSION LIES and will tell you things are worse then they are. You can get through this. And will be stronger for it