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Reading Rainbow star Mychal Threets shared an update that he’s “not okay” and “running out of time” in a post for World Mental Health Day
The Bay Area librarian and children’s performer has previously spoken to PEOPLE about depression and anxiety
In August, he sought hospital care after concerning posts and later thanked staff for saving his life
Reading Rainbow star Mychal Threets says he’s “not doing well” but is “asking for help” amid his ongoing mental health struggle, saying “I believe I am running out of time” in a concerning social media post.
The Bay Area librarian, 36, shared a video to his Instagram on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day, in which he said “People keep on saying, ‘Mychal, I’m glad to see you’re doing well. I’m glad to see you’re okay,’ but I’m not doing well. I’m not okay.”
But he said, “That’s okay, because I’m trying my best.”
The children’s performer, known to PBS Kids fans as Mychal the Librarian, went on to explain that “my brain is very loud. My feelings are very big. I believe I am running out of time. I don’t know how much time I have left, but I’m going to keep on trying to find joy each and every day, no matter what happens.”
Mychal Threets on ‘Reading Rainbow’
Credit: Reading Rainbow/YouTube
The literacy advocate, who went viral for sharing his love of books, previously told PEOPLE that he’s struggled with depression and anxiety. In August, Threets checked himself into a hospital following concerning social media posts. Threets later shared he had been placed on a psychiatric hold, and later thanked the medical staff, who he said “saved my life.”
In his recent update, Threets said, “I want to see you at the library, at the bookstore, in the world where we all belong. I want to stay. I am trying to stay. I am asking for help.”
“I believe joy is out there for me. Joy is there for you. I am going to pursue joy relentlessly with all the time I have left. I don’t know what tomorrow has in store. I haven’t met tomorrow yet, but I have hope I’m there.”
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Threets, who penned the book I’m So Glad You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, ended his post by saying, “I am asking for joy. I am seizing hope. I’m on a journey to okay, to keep on to tomorrow each and every day. I’m trying to stay, and I’m thankful for you. Thank you for trying. Thank you for staying. We’re still here.”
His post was flooded with thousands of supportive comments praising Threets for the joy he brings to others — all with the same message: “Please stay.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
Read the original article on People