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2nd February 2024
12:00pm GMT
For many of us, we remember Elmo as the red little muppet who lived on Sesame Street.
In his high-pitched adorable voice, he would often speak about himself in the third person.
Elmo and his friends are known for keeping toddlers and children entertained, however, in an unexpected crossover, he is now being championed by older generations as being a pillar of mental and emotional health.
It all started with a simple question, one we may often forget to ask each other when life gets busy.
“Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” the X post reads.
Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?
— Elmo (@elmo) January 29, 2024
What was posted as a seemingly standard and maybe unimportant question soon became a viral moment.
Thousands of users took the opportunity to answer Elmo’s question honestly, sparking a wider discussion about our mental health.
Many of the responses came from users who are struggling, with candid omissions about the challenges felt in their daily lives.
Elmo thank you for checking in on your friends. The world is a bit tough at the moment. Lack of services people need. The economy isnt great for everyone. Multiple wars. But you have brought us much childhood joy we needed. Thank you. May we all become a little bit more like you.
— Carlos Cardona (@CardonaLebron) January 31, 2024
Meanwhile, others used humour to describe the response to Elmo’s viral tweet.
i did not have us all trauma dumping on elmo on my bingo card
— 💜💚💛🎭Hedonista Lisa🎭💚💛💜 (@LivinLaVidaLisa) January 29, 2024
Elmo checking in: pic.twitter.com/mDwlql0Fqw
— GH HILL (@GHHILL1911) January 30, 2024
It’s not often that a beloved character from a children’s entertainment show starts such a movement, so while the thread was trending, important organisations seized the opportunity to reach out and potentially save a person’s life.
A range of mental health services entered the thread to provide their details for those who may need them.
Following on from the tweet, Elmo’s account shared a message of importance: ask people how they are doing.
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
How are you doing?
We hope you know that help is always available.
If you or someone you know is struggling, Pieta House have a Free 24/7 Crisis helpline at 1800 247 247 or you can Text HELP to 51444.
Samaritans services are also available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support by Freephone on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie
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