A woman's heartbreaking story has led to her being given the opportunity to get her face tattoo removed.

Taylor White, a Florida resident, was just 21 years old when her face was allegedly forcibly tattooed with obscenities, forcing her to cover them up with a blackout face tattoo.

As reported by the New York Post, White's tattoo journey began when she was a young woman, with thin lines inked on either side of her face connecting her eyes to her temples.

She described it as "war paint" she applied to herself during a period of "mania" while working at a tattoo shop, attempting to prove her artistic prowess.

During this tumultuous period, White married a U.S. military member who later divorced her for a woman he met in Iraq, leaving White homeless and dependent on the goodwill of a tattoo parlor for shelter.

Her next boyfriend, whom she initially thought was a "great guy," was allegedly "abusive," both physically and sexually.

White says her then-boyfriend took her and a group of friends to a local bar on her 21st birthday and got her drunk.

She has chosen to keep the details of what allegedly took place that night private, but she says she had been assaulted.

Her face was in excruciating pain, and when she looked in the mirror, she discovered "really horrible things" permanently etched onto her face.

Upon returning to the tattoo shop where she worked, her boss, taken aback by the grotesque tattoos, offered to "black it out" to help her lead a normal life. White accepted his offer in 2008, but her life continued to be anything but normal as she faced constant job rejections due to her appearance.

"I’ve tried applying for jobs in the mental health care field just as an advocate," White, who has bipolar 2 disorder, revealed to the Post. "I understand that my appearance is quite different, and could maybe jar someone that has their own condition."

White began sharing her life journey on TikTok, amassing 22,000 followers while aiming to destigmatize mental illness.

"I wish when I was younger, someone had told me it’s OK to not be OK, and if you need help, ask for it," White shared. She recently completed her bachelor’s degree and is working toward a doctorate in psychology.

Karridy Askenasy, known as TheDadBot on TikTok, came across one of White's TikTok livestreams and, moved by her story, reached out to offer financial support for her laser tattoo removal.

"The trouble she was facing obviously had a personal effect on her," Askenasy, who has more than 138,000 TikTok followers, explained. "It was preventing her from doing the most good possible."

From Texas, Askenasy tirelessly searched for a clinic willing to take on the challenge of removing White's complex face tattoos, unsure if anyone could succeed or if he could afford the expensive procedure. Finally, Removery, a laser tattoo-removal company, stepped in and agreed to undertake the task free of charge.

Laser tattoo removal is typically an expensive and time-consuming process that can take months or even years to complete. Given the dark ink on White's face, Carmen VanderHeiden Brodie, the vice president of clinical operations at Removery, estimates it could take "upwards of two years" for her ink to fully disappear.

"It’s a gradual process, but one that yields permanent, life-changing results," Brodie explained in a statement to The Post.

For White, the removal process represents a chance to leave behind the painful reminders of her past. During her first removal session last month, she couldn't help but smile, despite the discomfort of the laser.

"I’m not having it removed purely for cosmetic reasons," White emphasized. "This is really removing a part of me that I no longer represent or live in."

Featured image credit: nycshooter/Getty

Being a teenager can be miserable. It's a time when hormones are constantly in flux, where relationships are of paramount importance and one's burgeoning sexuality and body image leads to self-esteem issues and deep insecurity. Add the intense pressures of a high school environment, the stress of exams and college applications, and it's frankly no surprise that so many teenagers will be diagnosed with mental health issues. Many will also develop addictions during this time, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, and some will attempt to hurt themselves. There is a profound difference in modern society between the stereotype of teenage angst, usually characterised as a form of affected melancholy, and serious mental health problems. Teenagers are expected to be moody; and yet when they express the seriousness of their depression, many adults are content to brush them off flippantly. We're only beginning to comprehend the true scope of the problem. Furthermore, new evidence suggests that self-harm among teenage girls is on the rise. It's important to first explain the symptoms characterising self-harm. Put simply, self-harm is a compulsive mode of behaviour in which the sufferer injures their own body in order to externalise internal anguish or distress. Typical self-harm involves the use of sharp objects to cut the skin, but can also involve burning, scratching, electrocution, hitting, hair-pulling or the consumption of toxic substances. Self-harm is distinguished from masochism in that there is no sexual element to the violence, although self-harmers often experience an intense and euphoric sensation of relief. Self-harm is often a manifestation of extreme body dysmorphia or self loathing, sometimes provoked by severe trauma such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Approximately three million cases of self-harm were officially recorded in 2013, typically in vulnerable young people. Those between the ages of 12 and 24 are most susceptible to self-harm, although it can occur at any age. In recent years, many different movements have been founded in order to spread awareness and encourage sensitivity regarding self-harm. On Self-injury Awareness Day (SIAD) people are encouraged to wear an orange ribbon or wristband in support. Yet despite this laudable campaigning, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester has revealed that more teenage girls are self-harming than ever before. The study analysed the patient records database of British GPs, examining data on approximately 17,000 patients from around 600 different medical practices. Between 2011 and 2014, the rate of self-harm among girls younger than 17 increased by 68 per cent. In addition to this, the same study determined that self-harm among young people between the ages of 10 to 19 was three times more common among girls than boys, and was far more likely in youths living in economically deprived areas. Furthermore, NHS Digital figures for 2015 to 2016 show that cases of self-poisoning among girls have risen over the last decade, from 9,700 cases in 2005 to 2006 to 14,600 recorded cases between 2015 to 2016. In addition to this, NHS Digital stats showed that the number of girls who self-harmed badly enough to require hospitalisation quadrupled, from 600 admissions in 2005 to 2006, to 2,400 between 2015 to 2016. Commenting on his own findings, co-author Nav Kapur, a professor of psychiatry and population health, stated: "These results do emphasise the opportunity for earlier intervention in primary care to reduce suicide risk. We know talking treatments can help. There is also a need for more integrated care involving families, schools and health and social care providers and the voluntary sector to enhance safety among these distressed young people and to help secure their future mental health and well being." "We can’t really explain this possible rapid increase in self-harm among girls," he continues. "It could reflect better awareness or recording of self-harm in primary care. But it could also be a result of increasing stress and higher levels of psychological problems in young people. There is some evidence indicating that common mental health disorders are becoming more common within this age group. The internet and social media can be really helpful in preventing self-harm but could have negative effects too and this is a focus of significant research and activity." 

Dr Bernadka Dubicka, the chair of the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, concurs with this assessment: "There is a growing crisis in children and young people’s mental health, and in particular a gathering crisis in mental distress and depression among girls and young women. Emotional problems in young girls have been significantly, and very worryingly, on the rise over the past few years." Psychiatrists are also having to contend with new forms of self-harm, as well as the pressures imposed on teens through heavy social media use. Digital self-harm is one example of a new phenomenon of self-harm, which is only just beginning to be acknowledged by medical professionals. In this instance, instead of resorting to physical harm, more and more teens are taking to social media in order to invite emotional abuse from strangers upon themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that approximately six per cent of adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17 will engage in this practice at some point.  The study took a sample of 5,593 students and surveyed them about their online behaviour. More than five per cent of females surveyed stated that they actively cyber-bullied themselves. It's hard to say precisely why these studies have discovered such a gender disparity when it comes to self-harm but a number of different factors could be to blame for the imbalance. So what steps could be taken to prevent an increase in self-harm among minors and how can we effectively treat those who develop self-abusing compulsions? First of all; if you are concerned that someone you know may be self-harming, then be on the lookout for recurring wounds; bruises or cuts that appear without explanation. Self-harmers are often frightened of showing skin for fear of displaying their injuries, and may wear long-sleeved clothing. Take care not to discuss physical symptoms judgementally. It is extremely important to discuss self-harm as sensitively as possible. In some instances, self-harming is a compulsion much like OCD, and manifests itself as a method of relieving overwhelming anxiety, with pain distracting the mind from intrusive thoughts. In other instances, it's a way of punishing one's self for perceived inadequacies, in the beliefs that these injuries are justified. What with government cuts to the health service, as well as the lengthy waiting lists for cognitive behavioural therapy, it's likely that many of those girls who are suffering will be unable to gain access to the treatment they need, which places them very much at risk. If you or anyone else you know is self-harming, or feeling depressed or suicidal, then do not hesitate to contact the Samaritans on  116 123, or visit Young Minds for help, advice and further information.

We all choose to grieve in different ways, and it's impossible to tell how we will react to death until after it's already happened. Some people cry and cry until it feels like their tear ducts have dried out, while others simmer with quiet rage and frustration, burying their emotions and staying stoic.

People can cycle through denial, depression, bargaining and fury all in the space of an hour or so, and there's no telling how long the mourning process will take. For Ceinwen Winrow, who tragically lost her brother and parents, the healing process could only begin after a visit to the tattoo parlour, and a very unconventional inking session.

Ceinwen, who was born in South Africa but now lives in the UK, was very close to her family. But she was devastated when, in 2005, her brother Bryn took his own life. Ten years later, her mother Geraldine Naish, passed away as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and her father Hugh died in April 2018. Feeling lonely and depressed, Ceinwen struggled to cope with the void in her life.

But things cleared up for her when she had the bright idea of getting her family's ashes tattooed onto her chest, in a 40-minute-long procedure that meant she would always have them (literally) close to her heart.

Commenting on her tattoo, Ceinwen stated: "I remembered that my parents lived near a studio, which specialised in ‘cremation tattoos.' I put some of each of their ashes together in a bottle and took them in there. The tattooist mixed them with ink and etched the words, ‘your wings were ready, but my heart was not,’ on to my chest, with a feather and three birds, one for each of them. I’d seen the words on a Facebook post and thought they were perfect for how I was feeling. Now I feel like my family are with me all the time and in my heart."

She added: "We were a very close family, unbelievably close. My brother was like my best friend, even though we were very different characters. He moved to the UK in 2000 and me and my parents followed a year later, because we couldn’t stand to be apart ... Having the tattoo done was really therapeutic – I love it. When I lost my dad, I had a burning feeling that I wanted to get something done for all of us. I couldn’t believe how lonely it was, being an orphan, and the tattoo has really helped."

Despite the fact that the procedure cost over £100, Ceinwen asserts that, for her, it was worth every penny. It certainly is an unusual method of saying goodbye, but I suppose that, as long as she isn't hurting anybody, and it helps her move on, then it can't be a bad thing. After all, we all react differently.

Despite having been around for thousands of years, tattoos still attract a fair amount of criticism in certain social circles today. They're often seen as unprofessional or unattractive, or - to quote my grandmother, who has seen my own tattoos - "not very ladylike".

But, of course, giving something a bad reputation doesn't always put people off doing it. In fact, for some rebels, it only spurs them on further.

Dr. Sarah Gray, a 30-year-old medical professional from Adelaide, Australia, is one such individual who isn't afraid to buck the trend. With dozens of tattoos covering her from her collarbone to her toes, she stands out in her field... but not always in a good way.

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Dr. Gray explained that she's received plenty of criticism and judgement over the years, both inside and outside her workplace.

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The most negative treatment she's had to face has been in shops and restaurants, she says. In one recent incident, she was ignored by several shop assistants while waiting to buy a pair of designer heels on her birthday.

"They all served other customers first and wouldn't even make eye contact with me," Dr. Gray explained. "I waited politely for ages and eventually gave up and left. They did themselves out of a sale and I saved myself $1,000, so I guess that's one bonus!"

On another occasion, she was actually asked to leave a restaurant because of her appearance.

"I was out for lunch in a restaurant with my partner on the Gold Coast when we were seated at a table," she said. "After being seated for lunch, management then came up to us and asked us to leave as they had a 'no visible tattoo policy' for diners. That was a little disappointing to say the least."

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She's also been denied entrance to a casino, had people grab her without asking, and experienced a number of disparaging looks and comments from passersby in the street.

But the doctor is perfectly happy with how she looks, and does not believe that her tattoos should influence her career or how people perceive her.

"We should all be able to love the skin we're in, regardless of how we choose to decorate it," she said.

And, by showcasing her ink on Instagram and other public platforms such as tattoo conventions, she hopes that she will be able to positively change some people's opinions on body art and modifications.

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Thankfully, discrimination laws in Australia prevent Dr. Gray from facing any professional discipline because of how she looks.

"Having colourful skin in no way affects your skill level and with all the anti-discrimination laws now it wouldn't be appropriate to compartmentalise or treat me differently based on my appearance," she explained. "I've worked really hard to develop good professional relationships as I'm fairly memorable, so I've made sure I'm memorable for the right reasons through hard work, determination and an always positive attitude."

But for everyone remains judgemental of body art, Dr. Gray has some sage words:

"For those that don't like tattoos, that's entirely their prerogative, I just urge them to at least consider the artistic skill that goes into creating body art, before they judge someone harshly at face value for choosing to wear them."

And of course, it just goes to show: you should never judge a book by its cover - no matter how highly-decorated it may be.

A tattoo artist is helping people to embrace their body scars by creating beautiful tattoos centered around them.

Of course, the first thing to say is that covering body scars is by no means necessary, but if people want to create some stunning body art from their scars, perhaps as a personal tribute to the story of how it came to be, then that can be a very powerful thing.

Watch Cardi B unveil her giant back tattoo that took months to complete:

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One Vietnamese tattoo artist spoke to BoredPanda about their work and passion - tattoos centered around body scars.

"My passion is all about tattooing over scars, burns, birthmarks, or any imperfections on the bodies. I believe that a well-done, beautifully constructed tattoo will not only change a person’s image but also lift their confidence and overcome insecurities," they said.

Check out some examples of their amazing work right here:

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It certainly seems as though it's the season for tattoos now, as well. Post Malone recently took to social media to share a picture of his newly-shaved head and giant new skull tattoo.

Post captioned the post;

"I have cut my hair even shorter, also skeletons are cool. Spread your heart as much as you can. A little love goes farther than you think. Stay strong, and keep kicking ass. Love, Austin"

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Speaking of the most painful places to get a tattoo, Fredrik Glimskär CEO of Inkbay, an online tattoo marketplace. He has the following to say about getting inked;

“Tattoos are great, but I’d be lying if I said they were completely pain-free.

"There's no place on your body where you won’t feel the scratch of the needle to some extent, but there are certain places that hurt more than others".

He goes on to list the ribcage, head, inner thigh, inner arm or elbow, the feet and ankles, the inside wrist, hands and fingers, and the armpit as the most painful places to get inked. You can read more about that here.