Are tattoos a sign of mental turmoil and even desperation?

I wouldn't go so far as to say it was a sign of mental turmoil or distress, because I know of quite a few who have had celebratory tattoos. However, I have known more than a few who regret tattoos that have been very prominent and somewhat garish. Anyone who has one where only other people can see them is surely intending to make a permanent statement. Most of us don't want to say things in the same way when we are over 60 as we did when we were 20 so I'm glad I have never wanted one.