What is I CHOOSE INK?
Ink is an alternative way to express yourself! When you write or draw on yourself, it shows what you think and feel at different moments in your life, and it turns those thoughts and feelings into art. When you take a photo to capture it, you create something beautiful and true to yourself, and maybe you can share that with the world.
This website is a community for people who struggle with mental health, eating disorders, and/or self-harm to feel accepted and express themselves in healthier ways. It's also a place to learn about self-harm (for those that don't know much about it) and more positive lifestyle choices through articles in my blog.
what about tattoos?
Yes, tattoos are welcome. People frequently ask me if tattoos are part this community, and I say, “Why not!” Tattoos can be a form of expression — they can be connected to a culture or community, have personal meaning, and literally save lives (e.g. semicolontattoo). People with tattoos have stories. We’re all ears.
Why should YOU CHOOSE INK?
Do you know why ink is so beautiful? Yes, it leads to striking, unique photos. But the truly incredible thing about ink is that it is HEALTHY and part of a HAPPY lifestyle.
Research shows that "writing accesses different parts of our brains and affects our beliefs in ways that other modes of expression do not" (Cabane, "The Charisma Myth). It is so healthy to verbalize how you feel. And it's even healthier to write it out.
Ink is also a SAFE way to deal with your emotions. Ink is for everyone, but it is especially useful for people who struggle with self-harm.
Why is ink a good option for people who self harm?
Although it is rarely talked about, self-harm is unbelievably common in our society. It includes any coping mechanism that negatively affects our bodies such as:
Cutting
Hitting, thrashing
Severe scratching, hair pulling, picking
Eating disorders
Drug and alcohol abuse
Ink gives you the option to physically affect your body in a non-harmful, non-permanent way. It is NOT A CURE for any form of self-harm. If you are contemplating suicide or engage in self-harm, you must seek professional counseling. I am not a mental health care professional. I recommend I choose ink as one of many tools to use based on my own experiences with self-harm and my recovery process. Other tools to use include counseling, a healthy diet, exercise, a firm value system, and support from friends and family.