Elmo’s Question Sparks Conversation About Mental Health
Story Highlights
- A simple query by Elmo the Muppet prompted an online outpouring of angst.
- People responded with confessions of existential dread.
- But Elmo’s question also started a conversation about mental health.
How Are You Doing? Elmo’s Innocuous Question Unleashes Emotional Fallout
Generally, when someone asks “How are you doing,” you don’t actually tell them how you’re doing. Without this piece of common etiquette, we would be pinned in place for hours by vague acquaintances spinning monologues of crushing ennui. We would entrap cashiers, bank tellers, parking attendants, and coworkers with tales of our deepest fears and most minor bodily ailments. The world would come to a standstill as we shed our carapaces to stand naked and vulnerable in our truth.
When Elmo posted a kind-hearted check-in this week on X, formerly known as Twitter, he may have assumed he’d be shielded by these social mores. But he comes from “Sesame Street,” which is no place for lies.
“Elmo is just checking in!” he wrote. “How is everybody doing?”
Thousands of replies and a few interventions from his “Sesame Street” pals later, and it was pretty clear: The people are not doing well, Elmo!
It’s not surprising. The world is experiencing a grinding war in Ukraine, potential famine in Gaza, and a seemingly endless drumbeat of mass shootings in the US. Many young Americans are struggling with anxiety and depression as the country faces a well-documented mental health crisis. And in many places, we’re in the middle of a cold, dark winter.
The tenor of the responses to Elmo reflects much of that — and some welcome dark humor in unburdening ourselves to a fuzzy puppet. Elmo’s query also led to some heartwarming conversations about emotional health and the importance of checking in with friends.
Elmo’s Impact: Awakening a Collective Need for Connection
The responses to Elmo’s innocuous question should be etched into stone so future generations can know exactly how we felt in 2024.
Elmo’s reach, though unexpected, goes beyond a mere puppet of a beloved children’s show. Even in the darkest times, characters like Elmo remind us of the need for emotional safety and honest conversations. Just like the innocence of childhood, they offer a sanctuary amidst the chaos and confusion of the world.
Katherine Tarleton, a licensed therapist in South Carolina, believes that trusted characters like Elmo create a sense of emotional security that makes difficult conversations a little easier.
“There’s a sense of emotional security to them because there’s a perception of innocence,” she explains. “They bring us back to childhood, when at least some things were easier. Even if you had a difficult childhood, parts of it were still easier because you didn’t know everything that was going on.”
Beloved children’s shows like “Sesame Street” focus on emotional well-being, providing a platform to address feelings that may otherwise go ignored as we grow older. These shows teach adults to deal with their emotions in a way they may not have been exposed to when they were younger.
“I see a lot of adults gravitate to children’s shows because they can teach adults about dealing with their emotions in a way they may not have been exposed to when they were younger,” Tarleton adds. “I love that this exchange with Elmo has created a cultural space where it’s OK to say you’re not OK.”
The Importance of Conversation and Real Connections
While access to mental health resources is crucial, sometimes the best thing we can do in the moment is simply talk to a friend. They may not be a compassionate puppet, but they can help. Communication and human connection are powerful tools when it comes to emotional well-being.
Licensed therapist Katherine Tarleton shares some advice on approaching difficult topics and being a good listener:
Advice for Approaching Difficult Topics and Being a Good Listener
- Do something together. If simply sitting down and unloading sounds too intense, Tarleton suggests doing some activity together, like playing a game or cooking. “That gives you a secondary action, and it gives you the space to measure your responses and recover if things get to be too much,” she says.
- Be all ears. If someone comes to you with an emotional burden, Tarleton says it’s a good idea to set aside your own concerns so you can be 100% attuned to them. “A lot of people tend to want to exchange their emotional concerns, but it helps to make things very focused. Sit down and say, ‘I see you’re opening up to me. Let’s do this for you.’
- Be brave. “The first step is the toughest part,” Tarleton says. “If you are afraid of being judged, try to examine it from the other side. If you were in the opposite position, and your friend was coming to you, would you want them to be scared? No.”
Support and Resources
Government and nonprofit organizations in the United States and the United Kingdom have multiple resources for mental health support, such as specialized helplines and treatment locators. Helplines and crisis centers around the world also provide support for those struggling with emotional well-being and thoughts of suicide.
No matter what you’re going through, remember that it’s okay to feel bad, and it’s okay to seek support. As Elmo’s journey into our collective emotional well-being proves, a little bit of courage and a little bit of trust can lead to healing conversations.
