The beloved Mychal the Librarian and Reading Rainbow host, Mychal Threets, shared a worrying message about his emotional well-being while reassuring fans that he is safe for now. He revealed on Threads on Aug 17 that he plans to check himself into a hospital as he seeks professional support.
Mychal Threets shares a candid mental health update and says he is seeking professional help
In his post, Threets wrote, “I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay. I’m seeking help. Going to the [hospital] tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace.” He continued, “No matter what happens to me I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me. Thank you for your care. I will always love you ?”
His post came less than two weeks after another video had left fans concerned about his well-being. In an Aug 8 TikTok, Threets spoke, “If today is my last day in the land of the living, I just wanted to say I love you and I’m proud of you.” Besides, he also told his followers that the world and the library are better with them in it.
The 36-year-old has previously spoken about dealing with depression and anxiety. As his social media presence grew, he also became more open about mental health and how his newfound fame affected him.
In a January interview with People, Threets said he is naturally introverted. He admitted that he would probably never have started posting online if he had known how much attention it would bring. In his words, “I’ve been more comfortable talking about the library, talking about library stories, talking about mental health, just because I love it all. But had I known all this was going to happen, I probably would’ve never started posting.
Threets became the new face of Reading Rainbow when the children’s classic returned on YouTube in 2025. He grew up watching the original series, which aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006 with LeVar Burton as its longtime host.
Despite his own difficult days, Threets has continued to encourage people to find joy in learning.
If you need help for yourself or someone else, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MYCHAL THREETS’ HONEST MESSAGE ABOUT HIS MENTAL HEALTH?
