Discussion What exactly is the difference between suicidal and non-suicidal self harm?

[SuicidalCheese]

I've been pretty lonely lately, and was just writing down what I could remember about myself to burn it, and I realised something: I used to SH before I had thoughts about suicide. I still do SH, but it feels a little different. There isn't really much information about it online, so I kinda want to ask you guys/gals/entities about what you think the distinction is.

 

[Forveleth]

I believe the difference is merely intention. If one is performing an action with the intention of eventually causing death, then that would be related to suicide. For example, picking up a smoking habit, hoping that you get cancer one day and die. However, if the harm is just to relieve a temporary feeling and not necessarily to lead to death, then I would consider it non-suicidal self-harm.

Sometimes people here ask what counts as an attempt, and answers are quite similar. I think anything having to do with suicide is merely a purposeful action that one hopes will result in one's own death.