Suicide Prevention: What We Get Wrong, And How to Help

When someone is struggling, the fear of saying the wrong thing often stops us from saying anything at all. As mental health professionals, we hear this worry every day. But staying silent leaves people feeling isolated when they need connection most.

Let’s clear up a common myth: asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will not “plant the seed” or push them toward it. Research and clinical experience show us the opposite. Asking directly, “Are you having thoughts of ending your life?” offers immense relief. It signals that you are a safe person who can handle their painful reality without judgment.

You don’t need a clinical degree to save a life. You just need to notice when someone shifts, whether they withdraw from friends, express feeling like a burden, or show sudden, drastic mood changes.

If you notice these signs, lean in. Listen without trying to immediately “fix” their pain, and help them connect to professional support.

If you or a loved one are struggling, help is always available. Contact the DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) or call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7. Vine’s also provides numerous crisis resources on the 24/7 Crisis Support tab of our website.

If you or a loved one are struggling, help is always available. The DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) provides free, immediate, 24/7 crisis support for individuals facing mental health or substance use crises.

Navigating Sleep with Neurodivergence

For many of our clients with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Tourette Syndrome, or sensory processing differences, the phrase “just get a good night’s sleep” can feel like an impossible directive. Sleep challenges are not merely a lack of discipline; they are often deeply rooted in the neurodivergent experience. Research suggests a high comorbidity between neurodivergence and sleep disorders, frequently driven by differences in circadian rhythms, sensory sensitivities, and “executive function gaps” that make the transition from wakefulness to sleep difficult.

At Vine Counseling Center, we recognize that standard sleep hygiene advice, like “stop using your phone,” doesn’t always account for the neurodivergent brain’s need for stimulation or the “revenge bedtime procrastination” that occurs when a person finally feels in control of their time at night. To truly improve sleep, we must move beyond standard rules and toward neuro-affirming…

Meet Vine’s Newest Staff: Dominique Riola

As a new Vine part-time evening therapist, Dominique joins us with experience working in behavioral health and substance use treatment.

Dominique treats individuals age 14+, couples, and families at our office in Naperville and via telehealth. She specializes in depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, and life transitions.

In her free time, Dominique enjoys travelling, binge watching Marvel movies, and spending time with her feline family members.

Call (773) 914-2175 or email el*********@******************er.com to request an appointment with Dominique before her schedule fills up!

Vine’s Newest Book Club Pick

The therapists at Vine Counseling Center highly recommend Dr. Kirren Schnack’s book, Ten Times Calmer: Beat Anxiety and Change Your Life. If worry, overthinking, or physical stress often take the driver’s seat in your daily life, this practical guide offers immediate relief by cutting through complex psychological theory and delivering ten clear, actionable strategies grounded in CBT.

Rather than just explaining why anxiety happens, Dr. Schnack provides simple, real-time tools to calm your nervous system, quiet relentless thought loops, and break free from overwhelm. It’s an accessible, comforting, and highly effective read for anyone looking to build everyday resilience.

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Please email us at in**@******************er.com with any updates, or let us know how we can assist you.

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