u/Adept-Metal5023

I want to start trying out some pain related kinks by myself (light ones, nothing concerning) but i dont know if i should because i dont know if i view them as kinks or self harm with a plus

Is there even a difference between the two, and if so, how do i keep them separate? What if something starts as a kink, but it becomes such a familiar, calming pattern it develops into self harm?? How would i notice the shift?