When the beloved red Muppet asked people how they were doing, they responded with honesty — and, in some cases, despair. Elmo replied to many messages with encouragement and empathy.

Elmo has sparked a national conversation about the importance of mental health checkups on friends, family and co-workers.

When the beloved red Muppet asked people how they were doing, they responded with honesty — and, in some cases, despair. Elmo replied to many messages with encouragement and empathy.

Elmo said on Tuesday, as responses to his question continued to pour in. "Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing. Elmo will check in again soon, friends!

At first glance, it might have looked like a run-of-the-mill social media check-in: "How is everybody doing?" But the message came from Elmo — the furry red friend to kids, Muppets and anyone ...