Responses to a simple question from a children’s television character highlight a very serious problem: the mental health crisis in the US.
The question came from a character people know and love: the one and only Elmo from “Sesame Street.”
Elmo posted on X: “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?”
So far, 178 million people have viewed the message and thousands of people, including celebrities and everyday people, replied directly. Most of those responses are concerning and filled with people talking about depression and ongoing crises.
“Elmo I’m suffering from existential dread over here,” an X user wrote.
Another user wrote: “Not good, Elmo. Not good.”
The U.S. Surgeon General recently found about half of all adults in the country have reported feeling lonely. Health officials have also noted a national spike in anxiety and depression.
Now, it seems Elmo has seen the thousands of messages, and he’s concerned.
Wow! Elmo is glad he asked! Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing. Elmo will check in again soon, friends! Elmo loves you.❤️ #EmotionalWellBeing pic.twitter.com/jhn2LNKfHf
— Elmo (@elmo) January 30, 2024
After Elmo asked how everyone was doing, and it seemed like everyone was not great — We want to hear from you: How are YOU doing?
Please share your response in the form at the bottom of this story and it could be read on a Channel 4 newscast.
We also want to let you know there are resources out there to help.
If you know someone dealing with mental health issues, here is a list of resources:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8; 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekText TALK: to 741741 (suicide)Text HOME: to 741741 (crisis)Children Home Society’s Family Support: Warm Line 1-888-733-6303 (chslistens.com)United Way: Dial 211 for 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide preventionThe Vinson Foundation: Helping Families Coping with Suicide Loss (https://thevinsonfoundation.org/)Heretomorrow: Helpline in Neptune Beach available Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. — (904) 372-9087 (heretomorrow.org)LSF Health Systems: 24/7 ACCESS TO CARE LINE: (877) 229-9098 (https://www.lsfhealthsystems.org/)NAMI Jacksonville: Dial 904-323-4723 or email Helpline@namijax.org (https://www.namijax.org/)
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