Why you Won't Find Long Sleeves in my Suitcase this Summer
Why you Won't Find Long Sleeves in my Suitcase this Summer
Embracing the Summer in spite of our scars.
My earliest memory of being self-conscious from the scars that I had accrued through moments of joy playing in the park, was 10. 10 years old. A moment that I now look back at with not only sadness but empathy for my younger self. At 10, after the realisation that my body was not ‘perfect’, every summer resulted in me confining myself to tights and long-sleeve tops, despite the sweltering heat.
That was until one summer, after arming myself with clothes that covered every inch of my body, my Dad made a simple suggestion. What would happen if I took off my cardigan and walked to the end of the road? This simple request made my blood boil, matching the heat outside. After careful consideration and hesitation, I gave it a go.
Now, 15 years later, the scars on my body are an afterthought, if that. What once ruminated through my mind as soon as May crept in, now doesn't faze me. I refuse to wear long sleeves in the summer ever again.
Is it Just Me?
This is a question I often pondered. Is it just me? According to The British Skin Foundation, 70% of British people with scars or skin conditions say this affects their confidence.
Body scars come from a variety of reasons, whether that's from childbirth, accidents, skin conditions, or in some cases, self-harm. I spoke with Debbie, a Mum of three, to hear and understand how body scars have impacted her and how she deals with them.
“I've got a C-section scar from having twin boys. It would affect me wearing a bikini I think. I only wear a one-piece and I don't think I would want to have it out.”
Debbie also addressed how these scars affect her during the summer months.
“If I'm thinking about buying summer clothes and stuff I'll think about it. Wearing swimming costumes that cover it is definitely one I used…I tend to wear trousers or skirts with tights and things like that. I tend to just keep them covered”
More than the Physical
Unfortunately, body scars can also leave emotional scars for those who have them. Janet, a registered nurse and mental health practitioner, with the charity Mind, explained the emotional impact she has seen in clients, specifically women and girls, with regards to scars. “Comparision is something that I have seen a lot, and body scars can leave women and young girls feeling isolated from their peers or the people that they follow online. This isolation and low self-esteem often leads to feelings of low self-worth and depression”
After asking Janet if she has noticed a change in this when the weather gets warmer, she responded, “Definitely! Not only are women worried about body image but when you add body scars to the equation it can feel like a battle they can't win, it exhausts them emotionally”.
The Path Foward
The undeniable fact is that scars become more prominent in the summer or on holiday. This can cause a predicament for those that battle with self-esteem related to body scars and with conflicting opinions online about how to tackle these body scars, it can become a mental battlefield.
Debbie as previously mentioned, offered her perspective.
“I think people talk about being brave and flaunting your flaws and stuff and that's all well and good if you want to, but you don't have to be a hero. If you want to wear something that covers something up, that's your choice and that's fine”
I think the path forward is a personal one. Whether you decide to embrace your scars or treat your scars in order to minimise them, there is no right or wrong way. After asking Debbie for advice that she could offer to someone reading this article and struggling, she told me, “Scars are a reminder of something that, either you overcame or something fun that you did as well”.
This article published on BYRDIE shows women with different types of body scars.
Remember, you are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, below is a list of resources that can help.
Samaritans: 116 123
Campaign Against Living Miserably (MIND): 0800 58 58 58
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652