9/11, They tell us never to forget.

Yet it seems like that is exactly what we have done. One only has to read recent headlines to realize America seems to be forgetting a very important part of the day we are told to always remember.

When I remember 9/11 my heart aches for this country. I like every other American can remember where I was at the moment I learned of the attack. I remember the feeling of horror as I watched the never ending news footage. I remember the tears flowing as the pictures of missing men and women filled the screen.

This we will never forget.

Sadly I feel it is time for Americans to wake up and remember something else.

We are forgetting that EVERYONE came together to help and comfort each other. Skin color didn’t matter, Your religion played no part, nor did it matter if you come here as a refugee, or even if you come here legally for that matter. Hell it didn’t even matter what political party you belonged to.
The day of 9/11 and the days that followed the world saw the strength and human Compassion that this country possessed. That day and the days that followed we were the UNITED States. That’s the part we seem to be forgetting.
#NeverForget

How To Help When A Friend Becomes Suicidal

Photo via Pixabay by Maya_7966

Finding out that a friend or loved one has had suicidal thoughts can often be overwhelming and scary, and many people aren’t sure how to help…or even if they can. However, there are several ways you can help a friend who is suffering from feelings of depression or dark thoughts, and it’s important to speak up as soon as you know there’s a problem.

Most people who are having suicidal thoughts don’t talk about it openly; sometimes it’s because they are afraid of being labeled as “crazy”, and sometimes they just don’t think anyone understands what they’re going through. It’s important to keep in mind that many people who are thinking about suicide don’t necessarily want to die, they just can’t think of any other way to end their pain. If they do open up to you, don’t use words such as “selfish” or make them feel guilty. It’s important to remember that their feelings are coming from a place you might not understand, and that they aren’t thinking about how their death might affect their friends or family. Sometimes, a suicidal person believes everyone would be better off without them.

Instead of using accusatory words, let them know you’re sorry they have been in so much pain and that you want to help. Ask what you can do, but listen as well. Letting them know you’re taking their feelings seriously is a big step in helping them recover.

Some individuals who suffer from suicidal thoughts also suffer from emotional or mood disorders, and if they have been diagnosed, it’s imperative that they stay on their medication. Not keeping a structured schedule with medicine can cause mood swings and can negatively affect emotions that are already unstable. If possible, help them contact their healthcare provider.

Warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts can vary, but few people know your friend as well as you do. If you notice that they have suddenly strayed from their usual behavior–if they are getting into trouble at school or work, are developing issues with drugs or alcohol, are experiencing big changes in sleeping and eating habits, or are having violent or manic mood swings–talk to them. Let them know that you’ve noticed they are going through something and that you’re there to listen and help. Offer to help them find a counselor or therapist, or even a local group session. If they aren’t comfortable with talking one-on-one, they might fare better with a hotline number. Let them know that you’re there for them and will offer moral support should they need it.

If substance abuse is an issue, it’s important that the sufferer seeks treatment for the problem as well as for their depression or mental disorder. Offer to help them contact a facility or drug counselor so that they can find healthy ways to cope.

Never tell a person who has been having suicidal thoughts that they don’t mean it. Take every threat seriously, because otherwise you’ll come across as dismissive of their feelings. It’s also important to keep personal or religious judgment out of the conversation. You may follow a religion that has very strong opinions on suicide and what happens to a person after they die, but bringing it up in this conversation will likely only strengthen their feeling of isolation or alienation, and it won’t do much to change their views.

It can be overwhelming to try and help someone who is having these thoughts, so if you find that you don’t know the “right” thing to say or feel you have said something to hurt them, try again. Tell them that you didn’t know how to react but you are sorry they’re hurting so badly, and ask how you can help. Knowing that someone cares means a lot to a person who already feels as though they are alone.

Steve Johnson co-created PublicHealthLibrary.org with a fellow pre-med student. The availability of accurate health facts, advice, and general answers is something Steve wants for all people, not just those in the health and medical field. He continues to spread trustworthy information and resources through the website, but also enjoys tennis and adding to his record collection in his spare time.

Help: What to ask your Contractor. You have found yourself in need of a Contractor. What do you do?  After you search for one in your area make sure to ask the following questions.

Questions You Need to Ask a Contractor

Choosing a contractor is the most important decision you will make if you need a construction project performed. It is essential that you hire a person who has many years of experience in the contracting business. You do not want to rely on someone who is still learning the ropes of the contracting business to be in charge of building your home or a renovation. There are a wide variety of factors that determine whether a contractor is good or not.

Knowing what these factors are is essential to avoiding problems with your particular construction project. Here are a few of the most vital questions that you should pose to a contractor before you hire him.

1. How soon can you begin?

You might have a certain time frame in mind for your project. However, it is very common for contractors to have many projects stacked up. Therefore, they might not be able to begin working on your project for a few weeks. You might even run into a situation where the contractor will not be able to begin work for a few months. You will need to see if the contractor’s schedule will be able to fit into your plans. If not, you will need to talk to other contractors until you are able to find one with a schedule that is more agreeable to you.

2. How much will it cost?

This is usually the question that most people use to decide if they are going to hire a contractor or not. You should get a contractor estimate today to see if the price they give you will fit into your budget. It will not cost you anything to contact many different contractors. Therefore, it is in your best interests to call as many of them as you can. The prices they give you will be quite different from one another. Make sure that they know you are accepting bids from other contractors. This might make them drop their price.

3. Are you licensed and insured?

Most people just assume that their contractor is licensed and insured. However, this is not always the case. There are many contractors who work without either of these things. It is imperative that you actually see the contractor’s license and proof of insurance with your own eyes. Do not simply take the person’s word for it.

Get a contractor estimate today

Last month at Blogger Bash I was introduced to Knolly Nibbles. I just leaned the Interactive Story App is launching in just two days and had to share.

Knolly Nibbles

It’s an INTERACTIVE story of little Knolly Nibbles who is born without a tail and heart-shaped ears, Knolly wonders why she is so different and longs A tail. She goes out on an imaginary adventure to find the perfect tail. Along the way she realizes she IS special just the way she is!  “TALE of TAILS”  is a simple but effective story that educates kids young and old about self acceptance!  What A GREAT Message!  

Knolly Nibbles was born from the heart of her creator, Michele Goren. Out of pure love and empathy, Michele sought out a way to create a very special character for children seven years ago. She wanted every child (and the child in every adult) to know; no matter who they are, where they come from, what they look like or what they’ve been through, they are beautiful, just the way they are.

The APP will be available for you to download in just two days . It will cost just 2.99 to download this app. If the app is anything like the toys, it is sure to be a hit.

To be the first to know about all things Knolly Nibbles check them out on Twitter and Facebook