New Advice and Mental Help - Chicago, IL

The tattoo is really good art. You normally don't see work like that plus
the placement makes it subtle because it's mostly hidden unless you show it to people. So you have a really good tattoo in a good spot that makes it easy to hide or show if you want. No one even sees it at most angles just you're super aware of it! It's probably so new that you haven't got used to it yet. I have a tattoo that creeps along my chest! I wanted It on my shoulder nowhere else. I struggle to hide it at work plus I can't get laser or even a patch test because I'm pregnant. Remember you can remove it if you really want. It's not a permanent thing if you choose removal. Lasers would hit those colours but you should probably get some counselling first and see if it really is the tattoo that is making you feel like this.

Can you let us know why the tattoo bothers you? It really is beautiful artwork. Could it just be the shock of having your body permanently altered? That's a very common thing among people who get tattoos. I only ask because you don't want to start on this journey unless you absolutely cannot live with your ink, and personally, I can't see a reason why you wouldn't be able to. I love it and it looks like it can be hidden easily.

Honestly I know how you feel. I would go to a laser clinic and get an idea of hats invoked.They can test patch it and it will put your mind at ease to know its coming off if that's what you need. It helped me but I can't start yet or have a patch test even so I'm struggling with that worry a bit. Get some counselling started too you will sort this out.

Welcome to the community.☺

I'm so glad that you decided to share your story — If anyone understands, it's us. We appreciate your willingness to share photos and your courage to openly share your feelings. 

I'm so happy to see that you're already receiving some support from the community, they are so wonderful. I am truly sorry to hear how distraught you are because of your tattoo, and I know that telling you it's a beautiful piece of work isn't going to change how you feel about it. I also know that if I tell you it's just a tattoo and it doesn't define who you are it won't matter...you are in the eye of the tornado and the negative thoughts are swirling around like crazy and it's really hard to stop them — I get it, I've been there. 

"A home, wife, and beautiful healthily baby" you have alot....and they need you. I start with that because I also have been where you are, I was a total mess...I have a family and a husband and they lost me when I was going through this and I am telling you that I regret that more than the tattoo. I don't mean to sound so blunt, but it's true...I would do anything to go back in time and change the way I reacted to my regret. I understand it's easy for me to say this now, and hard for you to do, but I can't stress how important it is to not lose yourself because of a tattoo. 

You mention what bothers you the most is that it shows alot in short sleeved shirts, I understand, and again, I don't mean to be blunt, but nobody is going to care and if anything people who are possibly looking at your tattoo are probably doing so because they are trying to see the beautiful work that you have. It's stunning. 

A bold tattoo is a shock to the system, but if you give yourself some time to absorb the change to your body and allow it to fade and become part of you, as new tattoos always look so bold, you may change the way you see it. 

Please check out this story:  Full Arm Tattoo, Major Regret, Now What to Do...? - Box Hill, Australia

Also, please watch this video:   Tattoo Regret: Kathryn Schulz Shares Her Story of Tattoo Regret - Video

If removal is your option, I thought of this review because of the green:  Impulsive Ink in So Much Regret - Asheville, NC

I wish you well, and hope that you can dig deep and recover soon. Let me know if you need anything.