Self-Harm and tattoos?

I am a recovering self-harmer and just love tattoos (currently have 3 and planning 4th). I LOVE the whole process, including having it done. Is getting a tattoo just a more arty way of self-harming as I do get the same "release" from it.

Will a psychiatrist see it as the same thing? - I'm seeing mine soon with regards to evaluation for gastric bypass and she told me if I was still self-harming she would refuse to allow the surgery!

I doubt when you chose to have a Tattoo that you thought you'd get a 'release' from it! I know lots of people who enjoy the whole experience of having tattoos done and none of them have a self-harming problem. Me, I like the results but don't fancy the pain or permanent nature of tattoos, think I'll stick to temporary body art instead! lol
I'm sure the psychiatrist wont see it as self harm either but she might ask how it makes you feel, just be totally honest about it and I'm sure it will be fine.
Hope the evaluation goes well and that the surgery helps you!

I don't think your psychiatrist will see it as self harming, but I do get your point. I would never have thought of that if I hadn't read your question. I guess it is in a way, but it's controlled, so I think you're safe as far as your operation is concerned. Good luck with that hun x

She shouldn't see it that way, unless you mention that you feel you get the same "release" from it as you did self-harming.
Sorry I cant help that much.
xx

I have always wondered this and this is one of the reasons that I do not have one yet as I do not want to start a self destructive episode again even though I drink and smoke excessively and I suppose that is the same thing. I went through a period of time when I was in my late teens when I had nearly every part of me that could be pierced and experienced the same release as you mention as when I used to self harm during the same period. I think you are on to something here and ought to make more of this if you are still seeing a psychiatrist or a psychologist then you could ask them if there has been any research in to this.

Tattoos are not the same thing. Because it is done by someone else. Self harm is when you are doing it to yourself by your own hands. That is the difference. Neither is piercing considered self harm.
You should be all right when it comes to the evaluation for the surgery.
Take care of yourself.
I have read up on a lot about self injury. It clearly states that it is not self injury.
I also have had a problem with self injury , and very aware of the differences.

Sure, tatoos and self-harming can equal the same thing to certain people, but that's not a bad thing (as you probably already think). I'm a clinical psychologist, and believe me, your psychiatrist will be proud of you for changing your self-harming into a socially acceptable self-harming lol (there's really just no other way to say it). Tatoo vs. cutting is really the same if you get down to it *shrugs*, but tons of societies allow or praise it, and some societies call it mutiliation of what a god or gods gave you. Anyway, your doc, ethically, should not have a problem with it.

Just to be clear...I'm in no way saying that everyone who get tatoos get a thrill from the pain, that's just ridiculous generalization. Good luck with your sugery!

EDIT: You SHOULD tell your doc that it gives you a release - that is the whole point of why she needs to know...that you can replace your cutting with getting tattoos. If she's a good psychiatrist, she'll ask you this before you even tell her about how you enjoy it. She will already make the connection - it's her job.

I can't find the site with it on now but I remember reading a definition of self harm a few months ago which made a point of excluding tattoos. However it is an interesting debate which I have had with friends before, our general view was that it depended on why exactly you have the tattoo done. I know many people who have rewarded themselves for not self harming by getting tattoo, often having one over old scars as a way to remind themselves that that part of their lives is over.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about this as regards your bypass. Tattoo's are not generally considered self harm and I think your psychiatrist would be on highly dodgy ground if she used one as a reason for you not to have your bypass done.

Hi

With tattoos, you are not self harming - you are paying somebody to do it for you and its not actually doing any harm - it's art isn't it??

I cant see your psych' geting upset about you having tatoos but I would not say you enjoy the pain of the process.

Your question expresses a desire for you to continue to harm yourself and this still needs to be looked into.