Tattoos are often used as a form of healing, helping individuals process grief or trauma. Today, we gathered different designs—from tributes to loved ones to symbols of overcoming adversity—that remind us how ink can tell stories words sometimes can’t. Dive in and discover the moving stories that prove tattoos are more than skin deep!

1. “4 star bursts for my 4 miscarriages”

2. “Before my dad passed after a battle with cancer, he could no longer get around well. To keep his brain and hands busy, my sister got him a coloring book. This was the only page he colored. A few weeks later, he went to sleep and didn’t wake up.”

3. “I lost my best friend and wanted to memorialize my favorite picture of us together.”

4. “My wife’s simple but meaningful tattoo. Son was 10.5 inches at birth.”

5. “Memorial portrait of my son. The photo is from his HS graduation last year.”

6. “Love letter to my 5 children. Each gem is their birthstone, and the molecule is oxytocin—the love and bonding molecule.”

7. “Just got a tattoo in honor of my 3-year-old German Shepherd who passed away.”

8. “Tattoo recreation of my favorite sibling photo”

9. “My dad left a goodbye note before he passed.” It says, “Good night my darling good night.”

10. “As a weight loss reward for myself, I decided to get colorful freckles! I feel so cheerful and fun now.”

11. “Lost my dad recently. I got the signature for real last week.”

12. “My childhood pups and mom’s handwriting. These dogs got me through some serious traumas, and I can’t imagine how I would’ve made it through without them.”

13. “Honoring my birthgivers!”

14. “I got this tattoo to honor my grandma, who recently passed away and was such a major part of my life. She loved cats and always called me her sunshine.”

15. “Chemical compound for serotonin. My dad passed away suddenly, and I fell into a depression. This tattoo will be a reminder of what got me through the darkest time of my life.”

16. “Braille tattoo in honor of my little bro who lost his sight at 7. It says ’feel.’”

17. “I lost my wife, and my kids lost their mom unexpectedly. My oldest and I were putting together ideas for a tribute tattoo. ‘Babe’ was my nickname for her. ‘Momma’ was his for her.”

18. “My newest tattoo needed to be in a spot that could be seen by everyone. It’s a reminder to have empathy and that everyone matters.”

19. “Black—my present; symbolizes strength and beginnings. Red ink fading away—my past—the struggles that shaped me. The cycle of shedding old layers to make way for growth!”

Thinking of marking an important moment with a tattoo? Check out these expert tips to ensure your ink tells your story perfectly—no regrets, just meaning!