NewsMilwaukee County

Actions

New study explores increased rates of suicide among people with tattoos, offers insight, support for artists

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin say about two-thirds of tattoo artists have had at least one experience where they were concerned about their client's mental health
Posted

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — A recent study at the Medical College of Wisconsin explores the increased risk of suicide among individuals with tattoos.

Alyson Aldana and her husband Tom own Walker's Point Tattoo, a popular shop in the heart of the neighborhood.

Tom Aldana.jpeg
Tom Aldana

Recently, they participated in a new study through the Medical College of Wisconsin that looks at teaching suicide prevention in tattoo shops.

“It's just a really personal topic, and it just pulled my heartstrings, really. So, it was easy to agree to do it,” said Aldana.

Dr. Sara Kohlbeck led the project, which she says comes from a personal place.

Dr. Sara Kohlbeck.jpeg
Dr. Sara Kohlbeck

“I spent many hours in the tattoo chair, and I found that when you're sitting with an artist for a couple of hours, or, a few hours at a time, you start to open up and have conversations about yourself and about your own life,” said Kohlbeck, Director, Division of Suicide Research and Healing, Medical College of Wisconsin.

That inspired her to reach out to tattoo artists across Wisconsin to see what they were experiencing.

“I thought that perhaps this could be an opportunity for folks to maybe have conversations again around mental health and for artists to be able to support people who are struggling,” said Kohlbeck.

Dr. Kohlbeck says out of the nearly 80 artists who took part in the study, about two-thirds of them said they've had at least one experience where they were concerned about their client's mental health.

“About half of artists actually have had a client disclose suicidal thoughts to them, and then a majority of the artists that we surveyed felt like training for mental health support would be helpful to them in their daily role,” said Kohlbeck.

Since then, Aldana says her team has already started to implement some of the talking points Dr. Kohlbeck has shared with their clients.

Alyson Aldana.jpeg
Alyson Aldana

"We are just like one big family and everybody is all here to help and be a part of the community. It's like, no question, for them to step in and help," said Aldana.


Talk to us:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we're all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.


It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.


Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip