World Suicide Prevention Day: Knowing the difference between self-harm and suicidal behaviour

Self-harm and suicide may look similar but are driven by different intentions. Here’s how to tell them apart and respond with the right support. (Image: Pexels)

There are many behaviours that are warning signs for mental health problems, however two that often come to mind are suicidal behaviour and self-harm. They may be similar, but the rationale behind them is very different. Non-suicidal self-injury also called self-harm, is the deliberate act of harming oneself without the desire to commit suicide. Some people who self-harm do so to cope with or escape from what's going on in their lives, such as problems at home, at school, or with friends.

Conversely, suicidal behaviour refers to the thoughts, plans or actions of ending one’s existence. This is a serious mental health emergency that needs to be addressed urgently. It is crucial to be aware of these differences by parents, friends and relatives. Confusing the former with the latter may result in ill-advised reactions or unnecessary snubs of aid. Dr Riya Khanna, a Clinical Psychologist associated with Healthcare Global, Indore decodes the main differences and what they mean for support for mental health.

Also Read: World Suicide Prevention Day: How to identify early warning signs of suicide in children and adults?

Intent: Coping vs. Ending Life

The crucial distinction between self-harm and suicidal behaviour is the intention. Self-harm is often a means to cope with emotional pain, rather than a way to die. (A person) may even cut, burn or scratch themselves to get relief from emotional tension. The suicidal act, though, is the result of wishing to get away from Life.

Emotional Triggers Behind Self-Harm

The body-controlling behaviour can arise out of sadness, anger, guilt, or feeling numb. It’s typically a convenient temporary escape to regain emotional control. Adolescents frequently self-harm when they are faced with academic stress, family disputes, or peer-related problems. The act itself, unlike suicide, is not about ending life, but managing pain.

Suicide and Suicide Attempts: A Cry for Help

Hopelessness and a feeling of life's uselessness are connected with ideas of taking one's own life. People can make plans or write goodbye letters or even give things away. These are warning signs that should not be ignored, and that indicate a mental health emergency needing intervention, counselling and sometimes even hospitalization for safety.

Physical Signs and Secrecy

Self-harm often does equate to visible evidence: cuts and burns, scars, welts on arms, thighs, or secret places. In the hot weather people can be seen wearing long sleeves to cover up injuries. There may not always be physical evidence of the behaviour, like collecting pills, obtaining a weapon or researching methods of suicide.

Overlapping Risks

Self-harm does not inevitably result in suicide, but the correlation cannot be ignored. Repetitive self-injurious acts lead to the emergence of suicidal ideation with time. Both behaviours are representative of overwhelming emotional pain and neither should be referred to as ―attention-seeking.

Also Read: Looking for a soundtrack to relieve stress? Consider music therapy

How to Respond

If you have someone who is self harming, approach them with Epsom and no judgement and encourage other healthy coping strategies like therapy, journaling, or going to the gym. If you suspect suicidal ideation, consider this an emergency — remove any dangers, stay with the person and contact mental health professionals or a helpline right away.

Self-harm and suicidal behaviour are both serious mental health concerns that require compassion and attention. Understanding that difference can help provide the right kind of help and can even save a life.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.