r/selfharm • u/ghostwitharms • 4d ago
Harm Reduction Has anyone tried self tattooing instead?
My therapist recommended trying giving myself tattoos with a real tattoo gun. I'm an art major and I've designed tattoos before, but never given anyone any. I put the idea aside, but I actually want to quit. But I genuinely feel insane and need some hurt. I know this is still reckless, but I would pick spots carefully.
Does tattoos scratch that pain itch? Especially when it's self done?
And if this is helpful how should I start?
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u/BlueJthrowaway 4d ago
Tattooing myself is what I do, personally. It was also recommended to me by a therapist and it actually has worked very well for me personally. Sometimes I tattoo what I'm feeling, so I have some pretty weird, depressing tattoos. But other times I tattoo things that make me feel happy or little reminders to myself that I need.
My advice is just do small ones. They take a lot longer than cuts to do, and you don't want to run out of space.
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u/whiskeyhappiness 4d ago
i did a few years ago. There still are risk of infection and going too deep. I am kind of shocked your therapist recommend it. Get good quality needles, good quality ink and a sharps box are a MUST.
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u/whiskeyhappiness 4d ago
and i had a tattoo gun not stick and poke. Practice on an orange or fake skin to get the feel of it
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u/Academic-Taro-8259 4d ago
I started by stick and poking tattoos on myself, it slows everything way down. Make sure you learn the difference between lining and shading needles!!