It’s finally summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Days are getting longer, and the weather is sunny and warm. It’s a season that many people are looking forward to, especially the lucky ones who will be on vacation. But for those who struggle with mental health issues and self-injury, feelings about this season can be ambivalent.
Mental health during the summer
Vacation means no work or school, which can be a relief from daily stress. But how does this impact self-injury? As often, we have little information about self-injury specifically because studies analyze self-harm as a whole, meaning it includes self-injury but also self-poisoning and suicide attempts. We also don’t really know for adults, but we have some clues about teenagers. Rates of teen self-harm overall don’t seem to particularly lower during the summer1, but we know that self-injury increases when adolescents return to school after breaks2. So, while the summer isn’t protective per se, it can still be a relief from stress caused by school, perhaps because of academic pressure and social stress2.
School or work being on pause during vacation means fewer worries about achievement, and more time to rest and do fulfilling activities. Brighter light during the day is also beneficial to mental health. It has been found to be associated with better well-being overall and lesser risk for depression, self-harm, PTSD, and psychosis3.
Just above, I’ve written that overall rates of self-harm don’t lower during the summer. This is true, but with one exception. A 2023 study found that girls harm themselves less during the summer months1, which could show that girls’ mental health does improve during vacation. But I was talking about this research with a friend, who suggested a more pessimistic theory: could girls engage less in self-injury during the summer because there is more risk for wounds and scars to be noticed? Heat means wearing more revealing clothes, which can be tricky to hide self-injury scars or wounds. Of course, it’s an issue that affects both girls and boys, but girls’ summer clothes may reveal more skin. Imagine trying to hide scars in a bikini, or in a mini short and a crop top. Teenage girls may feel more pressure to conform to fashion trends, and prioritize that over self-injury. This is a mere theory, and it would only explain reduction of self-injury (due to scarring), and not self-poisoning or suicide attempts. I haven’t found any evidence in research that would suggest it’s the reason why girls self-harm less during the summer.
Scars during the summer
What is certainly true, however, is that people who struggle with self-injury often dread the summer because of scars. During cooler months, wearing long-sleeved tops and pants isn’t particularly suspicious, but it becomes immediately odd and noticeable when everyone else is wearing short sleeves and shorts. Trying to hide self-injury during the summer isn’t easy, and for that reason some people may avoid participating in activities that could reveal their body altogether, such as swimming. Vacation should be fun, but for people who struggle with their mental health, it can make them undergo even more stress. For instance, some may be affected by the disturbance of routine or experience poor body image when wearing bathing suits. Just because vacations are often positive doesn’t mean that it’s a positive time for everyone.
And yet, as with many problems, solutions exist. Last year I was invited to write a newsletter for the self-injury peer support organization SIRA about scars during spring. I think the advice we gave is even more relevant now that it’s summer. I’d like to reiterate them here, because learning to deal with scars can make summer a bit easier and more enjoyable. For a more informative approach about scars, I suggest you read this article. Above all, I want to make it clear, though, that I am only referring to healed scars and not fresh injuries. Opening up and seeking help is a key part of recovery, so it’s not recommended to hide self-injury. Scars and fresh wounds are also not the same from a medical point of view, and they can’t be treated the same way.
If you have self-injury scars, whether you decide to conceal or show them is entirely up to you. If you don’t feel ready to show your scars in public, that is perfectly fine. Always take into account your well-being and level of comfort. Bracelets, mesh sleeves, or cosmetic foundation can make your scars less noticeable and allow you to wear short sleeves in hot weather. Keep in mind makeup should never be applied to fresh injuries! If you’d rather completely cover scarred body parts, search for loose and light clothing in breathable fabric. They will allow your body to remain cool by allowing air to flow through the fabric.
I bought make-up to hide my scars while they completely disappear. – Emily, 20*
If you want to enjoy the summer wearing short sleeves without worrying about hiding your scars, you should also be free to do so. You’ll see, very often, the fear of stigma is stronger than stigma itself. I’ve heard many people admit they rarely received any comments about their scars. Most people will only look at the scars, simply because it’s not something they are used to seeing. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are judgmental, though; they may just be curious, not know what it is, be worried, or even have scars themselves and feel relieved to see someone else with scars. Some people may occasionally ask about your scars, but it’s usually rare. It’s still important you are prepared for such a situation so that you are not caught off-guard if it happens. Before you reveal your scars, ask yourself what you would reply to someone asking. Remember, you don’t owe anyone any explanation about your scars. Depending on how comfortable you feel, you can explain your story, or you can find excuses, such as “I fell” or “I got surgery when I was a kid”. You can even simply refuse to talk about it. “I’d rather not talk about it” can put an end to a situation that makes you uncomfortable. For more information about responding to someone asking about scars, I recommend this document by Patricia Rothenberg and Janis Whitlock from Cornell University.
Vacations away can be the perfect occasion to start revealing scars, because the people around are strangers who will never be met again. It offers a safety net with few consequences. However, revealing scars shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. Scars are sensitive and need to be protected from sunlight to heal properly. During the first year after the injury, scars must be covered with clothes and protected with a strong sunscreen. This way the scar will look better once it’s fully healed4.
No matter whether you decide to cover your scars or reveal them, I hope you enjoy the summer and will find relief and joy during the vacation. Happy summer!
If you found this article interesting and would like to learn more about how self-harm varies throughout seasons, I’ve also covered self-harm during the festive season and during autumn and school months.
* The name has been changed. The quote is based on true lived experience.
References
[1] Jack, R. H., Joseph, R. M., Hollis, C., Hippisley-Cox, J., Butler, D., Waldram, D., & Coupland, C. (2023). Seasonal trends in antidepressant prescribing, depression, anxiety and self-harm in adolescents and young adults: an open cohort study using English primary care data. BMJ Mental Health, 26(1), 1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2023-300855
[2] Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2024, January 17). Health Agency Urges Parents, Caregivers to be Aware of Signs of Self-Harm After School Breaks. Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Retrieved January 21, 2024, from https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/011724.htm
[3] Burns, A. C., Windred, D. P., Rutter, M. K., Olivier, P., Vetter, C., Saxena, R., Lane, J. M., Phillips, A. J. K., & Cain, S. W. (2023). Day and night light exposure are associated with psychiatric disorders: an objective light study in >85,000 people. Natural Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-023-00135-8
[4] McQueen, K. (2020, July 29). Scars and The Sun – Occupational Therapy Services. Occupational Therapy Services. Retrieved June 29, 2025, from https://otservices.wustl.edu/scars-and-the-sun/
Exploring self-harm 