Current:Home > reviewsElmo wrote a simple tweet that revealed widespread existential dread. Now, the president has weighed in. -Wealth Evolution Experts
Elmo wrote a simple tweet that revealed widespread existential dread. Now, the president has weighed in.
View
Date:2025-04-13 08:55:57
On social media this week, Elmo – yes, the red fuzzy Sesame Street character – posed a question to his followers, with nothing but good intent. "Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?" the X page for Elmo posted. A barrage of responses – tens of thousands of them – were brutally honest and downright cynical about the dread people are feeling.
"I'm at my lowest. Thanks for asking," one person replied.
"Elmo I'm depressed and broke," another wrote.
"Elmo I'm suffering from existential dread over here," another replied.
"Elmo get outta here it isn't safe," one person warned.
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
Soon, brands and celebrities were replying to the post. "ran out of milk. do the math," the account for Oreo replied.
"well... it is Monday..." the account for the Garfield movie wrote. Garfield, the animated orange cat, famously hates Mondays.
"well it's the 800th day of January so," the account for Jimmy John's sandwiches replied.
Not all of the replies were sarcastic, dark or dreadful. "It was a great day in Florida, Elmo," a photographer replied, sharing a photo of turtles sunning themselves.
"Honestly, I'm in a really good place [right now]," Chance the Rapper replied.
About 20 hours into the barrage of comments, Elmo's account tweeted: "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"
And that tweet gained attention from a big name: President Joe Biden, who said he knows "how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days."
I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 31, 2024
Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it.
Even though it's hard, you're never alone. https://t.co/ffMJekbowo
"Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it. Even though it's hard, you're never alone," Mr. Biden's post reads.
While many of the replies about existential dread were tongue-in-cheek or sarcastic – common in online and meme humor – the bombardment of gloomy comments revealed the angst and strife many people express online. So, the Sesame Street account replied to Elmo with a link to emotional wellbeing resources.
Mental health is health! For #EmotionalWellBeing resources and more, visit @SesameWorkshop: https://t.co/yKqps8aEy2 https://t.co/iw5gpFfUYy
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) January 30, 2024
Sesame Street's resources are mainly videos and activities geared toward promoting well being for children. Childhood depression and anxiety rates doubled during 2020 to 2021, according to the website.
In 2020, 29% of U.S. adults reported a depression diagnosis at some point in their life. That's nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2015, according to Gallup.
In 2021, an estimated 20.1 million U.S. adults – about 8.3% of all U.S. adults – had a depressive episode in the past year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. About 5 million kids between the ages of 12 to 17 in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode. These major depressive episodes last about two weeks and it can result in severe impairments that limit one's ability to carry out activities, according to NIMH.
Anxiety often accompanies depression and an estimated 6.8 million adults – 3.1% of the U.S. population – have generalized anxiety disorder. Only 43.2% are receiving treatment, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Anxiety and depression can both be treated with psychotherapy and medications.
Caitlin O'KaneCaitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.
veryGood! (6)
Related
- JoJo Siwa reflects on Candace Cameron Bure feud: 'If I saw her, I would not say hi'
- India 2024 election results show Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning third term, but with a smaller mandate
- Cities are shoring up electrical grid by making 'green' moves
- Proof Emily in Paris Season 4 Is Already Shaping Up to be Très Magnifique
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ready to campaign for Harris-Walz after losing out for spot on the ticket
- A Colorado woman who was handcuffed in a police car hit by a train receives an $8.5M settlement
- Singer and 'American Idol' alum Mandisa's cause of death revealed
- Dance Moms’ Maddie Ziegler Debuts New Relationship With Musician Kid Culture
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- 3 killed in shooting at Montgomery grocery store
Ranking
- USA women's basketball live updates at Olympics: Start time vs Nigeria, how to watch
- North Carolina Republicans seek fall referendum on citizen-only voting in constitution
- Tom Sandoval Is Headed to The Traitors: Meet the Insanely Star-Studded Season 3 Cast
- Walmart offers new perks for workers, from a new bonus plan to opportunities in skilled trade jobs
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Judge dismisses cruelty charges against trooper who hit loose horse with patrol vehicle
- New Jersey adopts public records law critics say tightens access to documents
- Nancy Lieberman on Chennedy Carter: 'If I were Caitlin Clark, I would've punched her'
Recommendation
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
No, you probably didn't win a free vacation. Don't let these scams ruin your summer fun
New Mexico voters oust incumbents from Legislature with positive implications for paid family leave
Pat Sajak set for final 'Wheel of Fortune' episode after more than four decades: 'An odd road'
Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
Chicago woman loses baby after teens kicked, punched her in random attack, report says
Celebrating Pride Month? You Need These Fun Accessories to Level up Your Pride Outfit
Judge tosses out Illinois ban that drafts legislative candidates as ‘restriction on right to vote’