Untangling a Complex Web: How Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Suicide Attempts Differ

The relationship between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior is complex and often difficult to untangle. While most self-injurers never exhibit suicidality, there is evidence of a correlation between suicidality and NSSI, and a clear overlap of risk between the two behaviors. Therefore, it is important to both prevention and intervention efforts to understand the primary differences between them. Educating professionals about the key ways in which NSSI and suicide differ can minimize inappropriate “over-reactions” to the NSSI, which can increase the likelihood a self-injurious person will seek help and be able to receive effective treatment. This article describes the primary differences between NSSI and suicide.