Tattoos come in many forms: They can be body positive reminders, beautiful works of art, or just sexy ways to show off your body in a bathing suit. Body ink is a great way to express yourself — struggles, fears, happiness, and everything in between — so it's no wonder so many people use their tattoos as a way to advocate for mental health.
These celebrities, including Demi Lovato and Lady Gaga, wear their mental health awareness on their skin (literally) with their body ink.
Selena Gomez
Last year, Gomez stood up for mental health with the cast of "13 Reasons Why" by getting some tiny (but powerful) ink. The crew got semi-colons tattooed on their wrists to support Project Semicolon, a campaign that helps those affected by suicide, depression, and self-harm.
Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham tattooed her thigh with a big rose in honor of her struggles with endometriosis. For her, the tattoo represents not only the physical hardships she's had, but the mental ones that came with it. “I think it gives me a sense of control and ownership of a body that’s often beyond my control,” she said about her new tat.
Lady Gaga
In 2016, Gaga stood in solidarity with those affected by sexual assault and violence by getting a symbol of unity on her shoulder. The singer's tat came after personally meeting with survivors and being inspired by their stories. “They told me they were there for me to support me because they believed this message needed to be heard," she said. "Without them I never could have felt strong. They accepted me for me, at my lowest and that was good enough for them, so somehow through the magic of their courage they made it good enough for me too.”
Kesha
In 2016, the singer got a big smiley face inked on her middle finger to symbolize her commitment to her personal happiness over anyone else's. She also has "LIVE FREE" on her knuckles in honor of her ongoing legal battle against her accused sexual abuser, Dr. Luke.
Ruby Rose
The "Orange is the New Black" actress is basically entirely covered in tattoos, and one of them is a tiny little message of hope. Her finger tattoo simply says "here" to remind her to *“*live in the moment.. BE IN THE PRESENT," Rose said. In the past, the actress has been very open and honest about her struggles with depression.
Demi Lovato
Lovato has quite a few tats, but perhaps her most inspiring ones are the tattoos on her wrist. The singer has "stay strong" inked in big script lettering to represent her struggles in rehab, where she dealt with addiction, self-harm, and an eating disorder. “The message is for me. It says ‘Stay Strong.’ So every day no matter if I’m putting on my shoes or putting on my makeup, I see it every day, to stay strong," she said about the tat.
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