Suicide and Self-Injury

There are clear differences between Self-Injury and Suicide.   Self-injury is the intentional and deliberate hurting of oneself.  Suicide is the voluntary and intentional act of taking of one’s life. 

One significant difference between suicide and self-injury is intent.  A suicidal person sees no other way out and wants to end his or her life.  There's a difference in the mindset of someone who self-injurers’ and someone who is suicidal.  The major difference is that of “intent”.  With suicide the intent is to bring end to one’s life; to end pain and suffering.  Conversely, with self-injury the intent is one of trying to find relief and release from emotional pain and distress. 

You can call the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-322-5327 to schedule an appointment with a professional counselor.  EAP counselors are available by phone 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week to help anytime. 

Resources are available on the EAP website:  Self-Injury and Suicide

If You Are in Crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.