Suicide vs Self Injury, what counts in recovery?

[Snow White.]

So I'm getting a bit caught up in semantics maybe but I know these are different things but in terms of recovery is it fair to consider them separate also?

I haven't cut myself as a means of coping since 2008 and I'm keen to celebrate 6 years free this year. However last year I did cut myself once as a means of trying to end my life.

Obviously this isn't ideal but I feel it is different to self harm and I still consider self harm something I haven't done for many years. It is important for me to conceptualize it as that because self injury alone (without intent to die, as a coping mechanism) no longer makes sense as something I would engage in.

Is this a real distinction to any one else or am I making it up because I want to still be free?

[LilMissEmma]

I consider the two to be separate too. I once did the same as you (wonderfully messy story that includes me answering the door to paramedics drunk with a towel over my downstairs dignity) and I've never called that self harm because I wasn't trying to cope, but rather the opposite.

So you're not alone in this thinking :)

[Snow White.]

Thanks Emma, really appreciate your feedback :)

Also at least you had the towel. .. Right?

[LilMissEmma]

Haha yes! Its because I was in the bath (sounds so cliche lmao) while doing it so when they rocked up I got out, bled all over the floor, and answers the door, managing to grab a towel to put over myself lol.

I can laugh at it now. Even though I had to have stitches without anaesthetic :(

[not_so_insig]

Like Emma said I consider them seperate. Like I am almost 3 years free of SI, but not of suicide attempts (I have taken 3 ODs this year). I once had a pus filled lump and I cut it in order to get rid of the pus. I dont consider that SI either, because if the pus wasnt there I wouldnt have cut.

[Snow White.]

Thank you Insig. I feel the same about your situation too, that they are different.

Emma, I'm glad you can laugh about it now I'm sorry I didn't mean to be so flippant about it. It sounds like a very scary experience but I'm glad you got through it x

Thanks again. I feel positive being able to hold on to my 6 years knowing others agree with my logic.

[xArchAngelx]

I think its good logic, self harm wasn't the goal of what happened, so I'd still personally say your 6yrs free, which is awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilMissEmma

(wonderfully messy story that includes me answering the door to paramedics drunk with a towel over my downstairs dignity)

As unfortunate as the circumstances, that did make me chuckle, thank goodness for towels ay!

[LilMissEmma]

Yes, thank goodness indeed!

[CrazyChaoticMess]

I think there is a distinction between to two. The fact self harm is an on going coping mechanism where as an incident intended for the purpose beyond coping can't really be classed as the same thing. So well done you.

[Accidentally Abstract]

I think they sound separate to me and it sounds like you've got them separately in your head, so I think that celebrating the AMAZING achievement of being 6 years free is definitely the right thing to do! Well done you, that's brilliant! :)