Fans Rally Around 'Reading Rainbow' Host Mychal Threets After He Says He's Checking Himself Into Hospital: 'I Am Not Okay'

*The following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.

In October of 2025, Mychal Threets, known as Mychal the Librarian on social media where he became internet famous on TikTok and Instagram in 2023, was chosen as the new host of the popular children’s program Reading Rainbow when it relaunched on YouTube. The original program aired on PBS from from 1983 to 2006 with actor LeVar Burton at the helm.

Threets, age 36, has been candid about his lifelong struggles with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, nightmare disorders, and PTSD

In a discussion with disability rights advocate, author, and lawyer Haben Girma in 2025, Threets said:

"I’ve dealt with it since I was eight years old. I’ve had a long journey with mental health."

Using his platform, Threets openly spoke about mental health awareness, anxiety, and neurodivergence, along with his advocacy for children's literacy, sharing his "library joy."

Threets has shared almost daily affirmations for his followers on Threads.

Even including a quote from Doctor Who.

Then on the night of August 16, Threets shared that he was safe, but he was not okay and would be seeking help. He posted:

"I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay. I’m seeking help. Going to the hopital [sic] tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace."

"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"

A Threads user added a community note to Threets post, sharing mental health resources for others who may need help.

Their note read:

"It's ok to not be ok. Please reach out. In the United States, you can call 988, or go online to wannatalkaboutit.com or 988lifeline.org"

note on @mychal3ts/Threads post

Fans and friends commented on Threets post to offer love and support.

Whatever Threets' future journey entails, may it always be full of library joy.

We'll see you tomorrow, friend.

~~~

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

To find help outside the United States, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has resources available at https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp