Depression Symbols for Tattoos, Drawings and Other Purposes

Common Depression Tattoos – Semicolon, Believe, Lotus

Semicolon tattoos have become a symbol of depression and suicide awareness, popularized by the Project Semicolon movement. The semicolon represents a sentence that could have ended, but instead, the author chose to continue on. When associated with depression, it means that you choose to keep going despite your struggles.

Other depression tattoo designs include the word “believe.” This can serve as a reminder to have faith in yourself and your ability to overcome depression. Another popular wrist tattoo is the lotus flower, representing resilience and the ability to grow and flourish despite difficult circumstances.

Did You Know… 🔍

In ancient medicine, depression was known as melancholia, meaning “black bile” in Greek. Doctors believed that sadness, hallucinations, and mood swings were caused by an excess of black bile in the body. But what is black bile? What the ancients called melancholia might actually have been dark blood that was coughed up or vomited by people suffering from internal bleeding.

8 Negative Depression Symbols

If you’re looking for more depression symbols, try these things, animals and plants that have negative associations with depression:

1. The black dog – The Roman poet Horace described depression as having a black dog trailing behind you. Winston Churchill also used this image to describe his own depression.
2. The raven – Because it’s black and associated with winter, the raven can symbolize depression. Edgar Allan Poe used the bird in his poetry when writing about madness or despair.
3. The wilted flower – A wilted flower can symbolize depression and the loss of beauty and vitality.
4. Barren landscapes – Dark, dry or desolate landscapes are commonly associated with depression and emptiness.
5. The pomegranate – In Greek mythology, Persephone ate pomegranate seeds and was trapped in the underworld for six months each year. Depression can feel like being trapped in a dark place, and the pomegranate can represent this.
6. North – This direction has long been associated with depression, darkness and cold in literature and mythology.
7. The raincloud – Rainclouds are traditionally associated with sadness, gloom and despair. They can also symbolize a lack of hope or joy in one’s life.
8. The moon – The moon is often seen as a symbol of loneliness, darkness and depression. It can be used to represent the feeling of being isolated from the world around you.

Using these symbols, you can build a depression tattoo, drawing or other piece of artwork that expresses your experiences and feelings. Remember to always seek professional help for depression and consider discussing your choices with a mental health professional before designing your perfect tattoo.

9 Positive Depression Symbols

On the other hand, if you want to emphasize your resilience and hope, consider using these depression symbols in your artwork:

1. The butterfly – The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is often used as a metaphor for growth and overcoming challenges.
2. The phoenix – In Greek mythology, the phoenix dies in flames and is reborn from its ashes. It’s a powerful symbol of resilience, rebirth and overcoming challenges.
3. The anchor – An anchor can symbolize hope, stability and being grounded during difficult times. It’s often used to portray major depression, as opposed to seasonal depression or situational depression.
4. Succulents – Like the lotus flower, succulents symbolize growth and resilience in difficult circumstances.
5. The sun – The sun can represent warmth, positivity, hope and the ability to grow stronger and rise above depression.
6. Small stones – Collecting small stones can symbolize moving forward, one step at a time. There’s an ancient Chinese proverb saying that anyone who moves mountains begins by carrying small stones.
7. Roots – The roots of a tree symbolize staying strong, stability and the ability to weather tough times.
8. The lighthouse – In storms or darkness, the lighthouse guides the way, symbolizing hope and guidance during depression in a beautiful way.
9. The rainbow – Rainbows symbolize hope, positivity and new beginnings after difficult times.

Does any of these meaningful images inspire you or remind you of your own life experiences? Remember, depression symbols are personal and unique to each individual’s experiences. Take the time to consider what depression means to you and how you want to convey it in your artwork. And above all, prioritize your mental health and seek support if needed.

What Else Do You Associate With Depression?

We hope these simple depression symbols help you find a way to express your experiences, fight depression and inspire hope for the future. If you have any other ideas, don’t hesitate to share them with us in the comments below. Happy creating!

FAQs About Mental Health Symbols

What Is the Tattoo Symbol of Depression?

You’re probably thinking of the semicolon, which was popularized as a symbol for depression and overcoming it. It represents an author choosing to continue the sentence (their life), even though they could have chosen to end it. 

Is There a Symbol for Mental Health?

The green ribbon is a powerful symbol of mental health awareness all over the world, signifying understanding and support for those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or any other emotional issue. It serves as an invitation to open up about your experiences in order to find comfort and learn ways to cope.

What Color Shows Depression?

Blue and gray are two colors that symbolize sadness and depression. Gray is also associated with anxiety and hopelessness. Blue is used to express sorrow, dark thoughts, and pessimism. As a result, in artwork or other forms of media, these colors are frequently used to symbolize mental health disorders.

What Does a 3 Dot Tattoo Mean on Your Wrist?

The three dots tattoo on your wrist is more than just ink; it’s a symbol of hope and resilience. It represents the story continuing, despite whatever pain life throws at you. The meaning behind this little sign can be personal to each individual wearer – offering strength in times of struggle and reassurance that even during dark moments there will always be light ahead.

What Color Makes You Not Depressed?

Bring some extra sunshine into your life with cheery colors like pink, orange and yellow! Scientists agree that these bold shades are linked to positive vibes – think joy, creativity and optimism. So if you’re in need of a mood pick-me-up, fill up your closet or spruce up your home décor with the captivating trio for an instant happiness boost.

• What Is Crippling Depression? When Depression Feels Debilitating
• Moderately Severe Depression vs. Mild: Getting a Diagnosis
• How to Find Happiness Within Yourself? Effective Ways to Find Joy
• 15 Best Movies About Depression That Accurately Portray the Struggle
• Double Depression: What Is It? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options