WTF have you done Elmo?!

What were you thinking, Elmo?!

When the beloved red puppet from Sesame Street tweeted, "How is everybody doing?" on January 25th, 2024, the internet was set ablaze. This nine-word tweet, which might have seemed like just another friendly check-in, set social media on fire. Elmo didn’t anticipate sparking a global conversation on mental health, but that’s exactly what happened.

Elmo's tweet quickly went viral, amassing hundreds of millions of impressions and countless retweets, it became a trending topic not just on Twitter, but across all social media platforms. The tweet resonated deeply with people worldwide, leading to a massive outpouring of personal stories, struggles and reflections on mental health.

Beyond the responses of the internet community as a whole, Elmo received responses from celebrities like Rachel Zegler, T-Pain and even President Biden.

Elmo's innocent message turned out to be a vital reminder that mental health is a significant public health issue that requires attention and action, now!

Mental health issues are now acknowledged as a global pandemic, affecting people in all walks of life. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2019 almost one billion people worldwide suffer from mental health conditions (most notably being depression and anxiety) - and that's before COVID-19! This widespread prevalence underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to manage and mitigate these issues.

While acknowledging the prevalence of mental health issues along with it's need for resources and support, I believe it is equally vital to focus on developing mental toughness strategies as a preventive tool for the challenging times that await ahead.

Mental toughness involves the capacity to handle stress and adversity. Among other things, it can also help individuals facing mental health challenges by reminding them that they are capable of withstanding and overcoming difficulties.

So in honor of the furry red monster and his friends from Sesame Street, here are three ideas to help develop your mental toughness:

1. Awareness of Driving Values: We must develop self-awareness for our core values. Reflect on what truly matters to you. Research on Schwartz’s value theory suggests that fulfilling your driving values is what generates well-being. Meaning happiness is achieved through (a) knowing what your most important values are and (b) actualizing them through action.

2. Acceptance of Obstacles: Embrace the Stoic philosophy of accepting that obstacles are a natural part of life. I say this all the time, the game is only going to get harder and rather than fighting that, we must practice accepting it as a part of nature's path. My favorite manner to do this is through ice exposure. Sitting in the cold sub-temperature hurts (watch this video!), but practicing your ability to accept it and not let it turn into suffering, is exactly what this notion expresses. Find ways to actively develop this mental strength.

3. Self-Confidence in Coping: Build your self-confidence. Everyday. Set and achieve small, incremental goals. Celebrate these successes, no matter how minor they may seem. This reinforces your belief in your ability to cope with larger challenges, fostering a resilient mindset.

Amongst other things, Elmo’s tweet serves as an important reminder of the value of checking in on each other and the powerful impact of simple acts of kindness. However, Elmo, next time maybe think twice before sending another viral tweet!

But seriously, thank you, Elmo, for sparking this crucial conversation and reminding us all to take mental health seriously while also building mental toughness.

So, Elmo, what's next? Maybe ask... actually, never mind. I think we're good for now. And according to Dave Chappelle, it seems like you guys have your own issues to take care of. Enjoy living on Sesame Street.

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