These 'Note To Self' Temporary Tattoos Remind People With Anxiety That They're Awesome

Temporary Tattoos Remind People With Anxiety That They're Awesome
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When you're suffering from stress, depression or anxiety, it can be difficult to remember that you are also an awesome human being.

But Janelle Silver has come up with a creative way to hit the message home.

The artist, from Australind, Australia, sells "note to self" temporary tattoos on her Etsy shop, Hearts and Hands, that act as a positive reminder to the wearer.

"I created the tattoos as a way of managing my own mental health, with the hope they might also be helpful to others as well," the 31-year-old tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle.

"I've struggled with depression and self harm since I was a teenager, but never really noticed anxiety until I started having full on panic attacks a few years ago.

"It was really scary and immediately had a massive impact on my life. It can be a really lonely and isolating experience, when it doesn't need to be."

Silver, who lives with her husband, Justin, and their seven-year-old daughter, Izzy, describes herself as "a really visual and tactile person", so she began looking for ways to help with her own mental health that involved sight and touch.

"I'm always making notes to myself but I needed something that would be with me in the moments I needed most and that's when I decided to make temporary tattoos," she says.

"Whenever I start to feel myself hitting a low or I'm anxious, I pick the reminders I need or want and then they're there if and when I need them."

Silver hand draws the pretty designs and then prints, cuts and packages the tattoos herself.

She sells the transfers on her online shop, where she also stocks other homemade gifts aimed to help build self-worth and self-confidence, including illustrations and zines.

To anyone struggling with anxiety, she has this advice: "Hang in there. I know living with anxiety can be exhausting, debilitating and scary (among other things) but despite how it may feel, you're not alone and these feelings will pass eventually, I promise.

"Don't be afraid to reach out - we're in this together. You're amazing."

To see more of Janelle Silver's designs, check out Hearts and Hands or follow her on Instagram.

10 Common Symptoms Of Anxiety
Trouble Sleeping(01 of10)
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Are you sleeping six or eight hours? Or are you tossing and turning every night with worry? If your sleep is accompanied by respiratory problems like snoring, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness or daytime sleepiness, talk to your doctor about anxiety, says Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education based in New York City. (credit:LWA via Getty Images)
Stressed Out (02 of10)
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If you're constantly feeling stressed out about your work life, family life or personal life, it may be a symptom of anxiety. Experts say if your stress is long-term, it could leave you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. (credit:Jetta Productions via Getty Images)
Burned Out (03 of10)
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Not only are you stressed out, but your body also feels like it is burning out and shutting down. Masand says if you feel overworked and it is continuously getting in the way of your day-to-day functioning, it could be anxiety. (credit:Sam Edwards via Getty Images)
Scared, Worried Or Frightened (04 of10)
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If you're constantly and unexpectedly worried, scared or frightened by something with an uncertain result, it could be a sign of anxiety, Masand says. Worrying can be reduced by observing your thoughts and feelings and learning how to take control and accept your current situation — as opposed to being fearful of it, according to PsychCentral. (credit:Martin Barraud via Getty Images)
Stomach Knots (05 of10)
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If you experience stomach knots or upset stomachs that are sudden, it could be another symptom of anxiety. Masand says if your stomach difficulties are also followed by diarrhea, severe constipation, nausea or vomiting, speak to your doctor to rule out other medical conditions. (credit:Piotr Marcinski via Getty Images)
Chest Tightness (06 of10)
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Masand says you should also be mindful of chest tightening and other symptoms related to breathing and your heart. This may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, pressure or fullness in the centre of the chest and/or a radiating chest, arms or back pain. If you have these associated symptoms, you need to seek emergency care immediately. (credit:laflor via Getty Images)
Headaches (07 of10)
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You may get a headache from time to time depending on your workflow or sleep routine, but Masand says if your headaches are common and also include weakness, dizziness or loss of sensation, talk to your doctor about getting diagnosed. (credit:Colin Hawkins via Getty Images)
Palpitations(08 of10)
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Along with chest tightness, palpitations and irregular heartbeats are also common signs of anxiety. For some, palpitations can be common — you may feel a sensation of fluttering, throbbing, flip-flopping, or pounding in your heart, according to Harvard's Family Health Guide. (credit:Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)
Panic Disorder (09 of10)
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Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where people experience unexpected and repeated panic attacks from time to time, according to Anxiety BC. Masand says this psychological symptom can also include being worried, scared or irritable. (credit:Compassionate Eye Foundation/David Oxberry/OJO Images Ltd via Getty Images)
Shaky (10 of10)
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Besides blurred vision, if your sight is shaky and you have a hard time keeping your train of thought together, Masand says it may be a sign of anxiety. You may feel shakiness in your arms, legs, fingers, toes or your whole body at once. (credit:StefanieDegner via Getty Images)