The Connection Between BPD and Tattoos: Insights from A.J. Mahari
Episode Overview
People with BPD often use tattoos and piercings as forms of self-expression. Excessive tattoos may be a dating red flag for potential BPD. Tattoos can help people with BPD process trauma and emotional dysregulation. Body modifications are linked to identity seeking in those with BPD. Understanding the psychological motivations behind tattoos can foster empathy.
For people with BPD, tattoos can be a way that they express their rather unknown fragmented pieces of what they might feel one minute to the next.
Ever wondered why people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often have more tattoos and piercings than others? In this episode, A.J. Mahari, a seasoned counsellor and trauma recovery coach, tackles this intriguing question. Responding to a comment from a YouTube viewer, A.J. dives into the reasons behind the high prevalence of body modifications among those with BPD.
She explores whether excessive tattoos can be a red flag for BPD in potential dating partners and delves into the psychological motivations behind these choices. Through personal anecdotes and insights from individuals with BPD, A.J. sheds light on how tattoos and piercings can serve as forms of self-expression, identity seeking, and even coping mechanisms for emotional regulation and trauma processing. You'll hear various perspectives from people with BPD, discussing their experiences and reasons for getting inked or pierced.
Whether it's about feeling in control, expressing fragmented identities, or finding a socially acceptable form of self-harm, the episode offers a compassionate look into the complex relationship between BPD and body modifications. If you're curious about the psychological underpinnings of tattoos and piercings in people with BPD or are navigating relationships where this might be a factor, this episode is a must-listen.
It provides valuable insights that can help you understand and empathise with the unique challenges faced by those with BPD. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how tattoos and piercings play a role in the lives of people with BPD.