Elmo's Tweet Checking in on His Friends Receives a Flood of Distressed Responses: 'Life Is Hard'

Elmo's innocent question sparked thousands of replies and bigger conversations about mental health

One of Sesame Street's friendliest faces did an online check-in and didn't quite expect what he got.

On Monday, Elmo tweeted on X, formerly Twitter, "checking" in on his online friends, writing, "Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?"

The replies and quote tweets blew up with responses ranging from grim to humorous as everyone realized the end of January has felt like a tough time at large. At this time, the tweet is coming close to 200 million views.

"Elmo, life is hard," one person replied.

Another added, "Not great, Elmo. Not great."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Related: 'Unhinged Elmo' Trends After Resurfaced 'Sesame Street' Clip Shows His Feud with a Pet Rock

The account responded to the outpouring the next day, writing, "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."

Soon, more Sesame Street characters began chiming in, sharing their support for the many overwhelmed people who responded to Elmo's original tweet.

Cookie Monster wrote, "Me here to talk it out whenever you want. Me will also supply cookies. 💙🍪 #EmotionalWellBeing."

"I love being a Snuffleupagus because I have huge ears that are made to listen to you share your feelings. 🤎#EmotionalWellBeing," added Snuffleupagus.

Even Oscar the Grouch offered some kind words, writing, "I’m not great at listening to others share their big feelings, but my worm Slimey is. You should talk with him if you ever need to chat. 🐛💚 #EmotionalWellBeing."

The online moment, which went from chaotic to heartwarming, sent people a bigger message about mental health.

"We make jokes but this is actually important. This app is hell now. And instead of letting Elmo’s tweet be a one off, @sesamestreet and @SesameWorkshop leaned all the way in. To speak to adults. Some of whom haven’t watched their show in decades. THAT is why they’re so special," one X user wrote.

"It seems silly, but the fact that we all trauma dumped on Elmo yesterday and that we all cried when Steve from Blues Clues told us he was proud of us during the pandy PROVES that children’s entertainment is so much more than 'entertainment,' and has a lasting effect on empathy," another added.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.