Tattoo's VS Mental health
Discussion
At what point would you worry about your child (18) getting a tattoo?
If say, you were the parent of someone of 18 who wanted a pretty large face tattoo.
When the 18 year old is asked why they want it done, they talk about having found a brilliant tattoo artist and being really excited for people to see them as they want to portray themselves. Been pretty unshakeable in this for the last two years. Has been on antidepressants in the past, but not currently
For arguments sake the 18 year old lives at home with parents, part time job so has the money saved to get it done.
Would you accept it, or would you frogmarch them to the GP?
If say, you were the parent of someone of 18 who wanted a pretty large face tattoo.
When the 18 year old is asked why they want it done, they talk about having found a brilliant tattoo artist and being really excited for people to see them as they want to portray themselves. Been pretty unshakeable in this for the last two years. Has been on antidepressants in the past, but not currently
For arguments sake the 18 year old lives at home with parents, part time job so has the money saved to get it done.
Would you accept it, or would you frogmarch them to the GP?
Ask them why they don't play with the same toys they did when they were 15, or 5?
Explain that what you want now, isn't necessarily what you will want in 5, 10 or more years time. Growing up doesn't stop at 18. Explain they are massively limiting 'future-you's' options. A small tattoo somewhere hidden or discreet is one thing, a large facial tattoo a whole other level of self-sabotage. If it was one of my offspring I would be doing everything in my power to dissuade them, but as they are legally an adult, there is not much else to do.
Explain that what you want now, isn't necessarily what you will want in 5, 10 or more years time. Growing up doesn't stop at 18. Explain they are massively limiting 'future-you's' options. A small tattoo somewhere hidden or discreet is one thing, a large facial tattoo a whole other level of self-sabotage. If it was one of my offspring I would be doing everything in my power to dissuade them, but as they are legally an adult, there is not much else to do.
GP.
Around 13-17% of the population has some sort of mental illness. That rate can vary as people experience MH issues throughout their life.
But a study found that rose to 40% in people who dyed their hair in lurid colours (greens/purples/blues) had MH issues. This isn't referring to those who use Just For Men/hiding the grey, going a lighter/darker shade or having a one-off for a party.
Around 13-17% of the population has some sort of mental illness. That rate can vary as people experience MH issues throughout their life.
But a study found that rose to 40% in people who dyed their hair in lurid colours (greens/purples/blues) had MH issues. This isn't referring to those who use Just For Men/hiding the grey, going a lighter/darker shade or having a one-off for a party.
Edited by vikingaero on Wednesday 7th June 13:59
vikingaero said:
GP.
Around 13-17% of the population has some sort of mental illness. That rate can vary as people experience MH issues throughout their life.
But a study found that rose to 40% in people who dyed their hair in lurid colours (greens/purples/blues) had MH issues. This isn't referring to those who use Just For Men/hiding the grey, going a lighter/darker shade or having a one-off for a part.
Do you think there are similar figures for people with single/multiple tattoos? Pretty bold statement to suggest people who have tattoos are more likely to suffer from mental illnessAround 13-17% of the population has some sort of mental illness. That rate can vary as people experience MH issues throughout their life.
But a study found that rose to 40% in people who dyed their hair in lurid colours (greens/purples/blues) had MH issues. This isn't referring to those who use Just For Men/hiding the grey, going a lighter/darker shade or having a one-off for a part.
GP here-- we cant stop people getting tatoos btw ..
Even if we diagnose depression / anxiety - they still have free will to do what they wish
Unless they are under a MH section - which I have never heard of for wanting a tatoo (although probably should be the case with many of my pt's!)
Even if we diagnose depression / anxiety - they still have free will to do what they wish
Unless they are under a MH section - which I have never heard of for wanting a tatoo (although probably should be the case with many of my pt's!)
It is absolutely understandable that a parent would not want their child to get a face tattoo
However, attributing it to mental health concerns past or present is not going to be a useful line in dissuading the child. Directly bringing that up in reference to the tattoo thing is not going to have the desired effect. You probably weren't, but don't.
Plenty of reasons besides that not to get a face tattoo as we all know.
However, attributing it to mental health concerns past or present is not going to be a useful line in dissuading the child. Directly bringing that up in reference to the tattoo thing is not going to have the desired effect. You probably weren't, but don't.
Plenty of reasons besides that not to get a face tattoo as we all know.
julian64 said:
vikingaero said:
GP.
Around 13-17% of the population has some sort of mental illness. That rate can vary as people experience MH issues throughout their life.
But a study found that rose to 40% in people who dyed their hair in lurid colours (greens/purples/blues) had MH issues. This isn't referring to those who use Just For Men/hiding the grey, going a lighter/darker shade or having a one-off for a part.
Do you think there are similar figures for people with single/multiple tattoos? Pretty bold statement to suggest people who have tattoos are more likely to suffer from mental illnessAround 13-17% of the population has some sort of mental illness. That rate can vary as people experience MH issues throughout their life.
But a study found that rose to 40% in people who dyed their hair in lurid colours (greens/purples/blues) had MH issues. This isn't referring to those who use Just For Men/hiding the grey, going a lighter/darker shade or having a one-off for a part.
I live with a self-destruct button and am quite heavily tattooed. All done when I was younger and perhaps more mentally unstable (all can be covered with normal clothing). I don't regret any as my journey was what got me here.
As an employer with public-facing employees I absolutely wouldn't hire someone with a face tattoo. Not sure it's a mental health issue, but it's a very bad idea IMO. If a tattoo is a must, then somewhere else, especially for the first one.
As an employer with public-facing employees I absolutely wouldn't hire someone with a face tattoo. Not sure it's a mental health issue, but it's a very bad idea IMO. If a tattoo is a must, then somewhere else, especially for the first one.
scotlandtim said:
GP here-- we cant stop people getting tatoos btw ..
Even if we diagnose depression / anxiety - they still have free will to do what they wish
Unless they are under a MH section - which I have never heard of for wanting a tatoo (although probably should be the case with many of my pt's!)
I think you have more power than you believe. Even if the 18 year old completely ignored you, the power of someone independent from their parent would resonate later on with them.Even if we diagnose depression / anxiety - they still have free will to do what they wish
Unless they are under a MH section - which I have never heard of for wanting a tatoo (although probably should be the case with many of my pt's!)
If you had a distraught mother and the daughter sitting with you giving that story, could you do the consultation without becoming judgemental, giving your own opinion?
julian64 said:
At what point would you worry about your child (18) getting a tattoo?
If say, you were the parent of someone of 18 who wanted a pretty large face tattoo.
When the 18 year old is asked why they want it done, they talk about having found a brilliant tattoo artist and being really excited for people to see them as they want to portray themselves. Been pretty unshakeable in this for the last two years. Has been on antidepressants in the past, but not currently
For arguments sake the 18 year old lives at home with parents, part time job so has the money saved to get it done.
Would you accept it, or would you frogmarch them to the GP?
I wouldn't say that this would be anything to do with a GP or even it it was, they cant stop anyone getting a tattoo on their face or getting their nose pierced by a bone if they so want.If say, you were the parent of someone of 18 who wanted a pretty large face tattoo.
When the 18 year old is asked why they want it done, they talk about having found a brilliant tattoo artist and being really excited for people to see them as they want to portray themselves. Been pretty unshakeable in this for the last two years. Has been on antidepressants in the past, but not currently
For arguments sake the 18 year old lives at home with parents, part time job so has the money saved to get it done.
Would you accept it, or would you frogmarch them to the GP?
My only advise would be asking why and explaining how it may impact them, such as impacting their part time job even?. Maybe have a bet that if they still want it in a a year you will pay for it (on the calculated guess they will of changed their minds by then, like pretty much all teenagers).
Like other have said you would hope that no tattoo artist would do it on a youngster, however there's always some clown who will!.
Best of luck OP!
julian64 said:
no other tatts. The tattoo artist called them in a for a chat, and apparently now happy to go ahead. The tattoo is described as a fairly large flower which is the tattoo artists signature tatt, but on the cheek.
Come home with a semi permanent face tattoo in an out of date style. After a week or two it may sink in that what’s cool today might not be in 20 years.
julian64 said:
At what point would you worry about your child (18) getting a tattoo?
If say, you were the parent of someone of 18 who wanted a pretty large face tattoo.
When the 18 year old is asked why they want it done, they talk about having found a brilliant tattoo artist and being really excited for people to see them as they want to portray themselves. Been pretty unshakeable in this for the last two years. Has been on antidepressants in the past, but not currently
For arguments sake the 18 year old lives at home with parents, part time job so has the money saved to get it done.
Would you accept it, or would you frogmarch them to the GP?
My son decided to get his first tattoo at 18 and did discuss it with us both first. If say, you were the parent of someone of 18 who wanted a pretty large face tattoo.
When the 18 year old is asked why they want it done, they talk about having found a brilliant tattoo artist and being really excited for people to see them as they want to portray themselves. Been pretty unshakeable in this for the last two years. Has been on antidepressants in the past, but not currently
For arguments sake the 18 year old lives at home with parents, part time job so has the money saved to get it done.
Would you accept it, or would you frogmarch them to the GP?
Whilst we couldn’t stop him as an adult we pointed out all the obvious comments in particular about whilst relatively commonly seen these days don’t have one visible when dressed” normally “ and bear in mind you have got your life / job scene all in front of you.
At no time was he remotely interested in a face tat though.
Fast forward 8 years and he’s in a band and works in retail - one arm sleeve and one leg done.
Hopefully you can persuade your son not to go face and maybe go leg to see if he can bear the pain which apparently can be severe in some places !
Not sure there is a lot you can do to stop it, but it might be better to have someone else talk to the individual concerned. Sometimes the concerns of a parent is something that could possibly spur a teenager on as an act of rebellion.
I was absolutely devastated as a 13 year old that my mother would not allow me to have my ear pierced, where I came from even which ear you had pierced was enough to show which side of the political divide you were from. I was the only one of the lads not to get it done. Thankfully.
I was absolutely devastated as a 13 year old that my mother would not allow me to have my ear pierced, where I came from even which ear you had pierced was enough to show which side of the political divide you were from. I was the only one of the lads not to get it done. Thankfully.
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