How are you, really?

Yesterday on Instagram, I saw a series of posts where people had replied to Elmo on the platform formerly know as Twitter. Elmo asked how everybody was doing. And thousands of people, including celebrities, responded with heartbreaking honesty that we’re not really doing okay.

This spurred me to reach out to my friends. I asked through text and direct message how they were doing. I got similar results.

Many are struggling.

This is an emotionally charged year to begin with. Any U.S. presidential election year is tense, but this year is likely to going to make the past elections look like a cake walk. I have a feeling that this year will test us all. On top of that, there is so much turmoil happening in the world from wars and climate change to people just being hateful and mean.

It’s a lot.

I know I’m struggling. Not only am I trying to limit my exposure to negative local, national, and world news because it’s overwhelming and mentally damaging, I’m also struggling professionally and personally. It’s hard. It’s hard to talk about. It’s hard to ask for help. It’s hard sometimes just to get out of bed.

I get it.

So I’m asking you, how are you, really?

You can share with me. Or share with a friend. Pull someone close to you aside and just say, “hey, I need to talk.” Let’s be open with each other because you are not alone. We are not the only ones struggling to make it through this hour, this day, this week.

If you’re not comfortable with talking to a friend, then please reach out to 988 — call or text for free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources.