Understanding Self Harm & Suicidal Feelings

Warning: Information on self-harm and suicide may be potentially triggering or upsetting to read.

Crisis Support

If you feel in crisis, phone emergency services or a crisis hotline.

Northern Ireland & UK

• Call: 0808 808 8000 Lifeline. 116 123 The Samaritans 
• Text: 85258  SHOUT, the 24/7 UK text support service
• Email: jo@samaritans.org. It may take several days to receive a reply by email.

Ireland

• Call: 1800 247 247 Pieta 24/7 Crisis helpline.  116 123 The Samaritans 
• Text:  HELP to 51444 the Pieta Free 24/7 Crisis helpline
• Email: jo@samaritans.org. It may take several days to receive a reply by email.

Mind the Mental Health charity has created some useful tools to support young people during a crisis.

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There are many reasons why an autistic child or young person may self harm or experience suicidal feelings.

Self Harm

Research has found that common reasons behind self harm include: 

• To regulate depression, numbness or cope with emotional distress – many autistic children and young people experience differences in alexithymia, this is the ability to recognise, label and express emotions or feelings. This can mean autistic children and young people can find it harder to engage in emotional regulation tools for frustration, anxiety and depression. Higher levels of alexithymia is linked to higher levels of self-harm in autistic people.  

• For some autistic people self harm may be viewed as a coping behaviour rather than as a something potentially problematic or harmful to them (Autistica 2023) 

• To express pain or seek help (this is not the same as attention seeking) – many autistic children and young people experience differences in communicating and expressing strong, overwhelming emotions such as distress and anxiety. It is suggested that some people use self-injury methods to give express their pain or to give ‘voice’ to their distress 

• To feel a sense of control – autistic people who are experience over-activity or experience difficulty controlling their own impulses are the most likely to show persistent self-injury, according to research (Oliver and Richards 2015; Laverty et al 2020). The 10-year study by Laverty and colleagues is one of the longest to track self-harming behaviours in people with autism.  

Suicidal Feelings

Although anyone can experience suicidal feelings, research has found that stressful, overwhelming or difficult life experiences can contribute to the likelihood of someone experiencing suicidal feelings, these may include:

• Experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
• Experiencing bullying, prejudice, or stigma.
• Enduring different forms of abuse, including domestic, sexual, or physical mistreatment.
• Coping with the loss of a loved one, especially to suicide.
• Navigating the emotional impact of a breakup or the termination of a significant relationship.
• Managing chronic physical health issues or prolonged illness.
• Adjusting to significant life transitions, such as moving house or school.
• Feeling socially disconnected or alone.
• Struggling with self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
• Addiction or substance abuse.
• Doubts about sexual or gender identity.
• Feeling pressured to conform to certain societal norms.
• Dealing with various traumatic experiences that affect mental wellbeing.

In times of distress, it is crucial to seek support from friends, family, school or mental health professionals who can provide assistance and understanding.