**Mental Health Advocate Mychal Threets Shares Update Following Hospitalisation**
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Mychal Threets, the beloved host of PBS’s *Reading Rainbow*, provided a candid update about his mental health after a recent hospitalisation. In a heartfelt video shared on Threads on August 22, Threets revealed that he spent five days in a psychiatric facility and expressed immense gratitude towards the medical staff who assisted him during this challenging period.
This announcement comes just five days after Threets alerted his followers to his decision to seek help, stating he was “not okay.” The 36-year-old librarian has been open about his personal struggles with both anxiety and depression, often advocating for mental health awareness in his public engagements and interactions with fans.
In the video, Threets began by addressing the worry he had caused among his followers. “I just got back from a five-day stay at the hospital, a five-day psychiatric hold,” he stated, reflecting on the treatment he received. “I haven’t been okay for what feels like a very, very long time.” While acknowledging that he is still grappling with these feelings, he conveyed a sense of hope for recovery, saying, “I’m on the struggle bookmobile. It’s gonna take a long time for me to be okay.”
Threets took a moment to express his appreciation for the multitude of professional caregivers who supported him during his stay, stating, “You saved my life.” He also extended thanks to his friends, family, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his journey. He reassured listeners that it is acceptable to not always feel fine, encouraging others who may also be struggling: “Three, six, nine, it’s okay to not be fine. We’re struggling. We’re human beings. We’re doing our best.”
The librarian turned social media sensation had first shared his mental health struggles in a post on August 17. In that message, he made it clear that his well-being was deteriorating by saying, “I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay. I’m seeking help.” He expressed gratitude for the extraordinary people in his life, remarking, “No matter what happens to me, I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me.”
Threets, who has received significant attention after a viral moment in 2023 where he expressed his love for books, has been candid about his ongoing battle with mental health. Previously, he shared his thoughts with *PEOPLE*, stating, “I’m still a very introverted person,” but noted that his experiences had pushed him to be more extroverted in his advocacy for libraries and mental health discussions.
In a contrasting reflection of his personal journey, Threets also noted his reluctance towards fame. “I still have hard days, and I’d much rather be behind the scenes,” he admitted. However, he believes that his voice has a powerful role in amplifying the importance of literature and the narratives it conveys. “I serve almost as a narrator of library joy, and I’m honoured to do it.”
As Threets continues to navigate his mental health journey, he remains a beacon of hope and support for many individuals facing similar challenges. In the video’s closing remarks, he assured followers, “I am safe ❤️🩹,” providing a measure of comfort to those who look up to him.
For anyone grappling with mental health issues, support is always available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988, offering services to those in need of someone to talk to at any time of day or night.