Mychal Threets confesses that a TikTok tribute to Doechii’s ‘Anxiety’ sparked a hospital emergency

Reading Rainbow’s new host, Mychal Threets, shared a TikTok video thanking singer Doechii for her 2025‑viral hit “Anxiety.” In the clip he holds a bouquet of flowers while quoting the song’s chorus.

The post was followed by a Threads message on August 17 announcing that he was seeking help and would be admitted to a hospital the next day.

The same day, Threets posted a reflection on his mental‑health journey. He wrote, “I am not OK. Maybe I’ll never be OK.

I’m seeking help. Going to the hospital tomorrow.” He added a note of gratitude for those who have supported him and said he would always love them.

Threets, 36, was named the new host of PBS Kids’ revived Reading Rainbow last year, stepping into a role once filled by LeVar Burton. His public statements now intersect with his professional duties, creating a rare moment where a child‑program host openly discusses personal struggle.

## Background & Context

Reading Rainbow first aired on PBS in 1983 and ran until 2006, becoming an iconic literacy program. The new series, scheduled to premiere in 2025, has two hosts in its history: the legendary LeVar Burton and Threets. He introduced himself on Instagram in September 2025 as “the Legend of Literacy, LeVar Burton!

And … me, Mychal Threets, a librarian.” Threets said he was raised on the show and that it made him believe “we belong in books, we belong everywhere.”

Doechii, 28, released “Anxiety” in 2019. The track entered mainstream consciousness after going viral on TikTok in 2025, and has since been cited by several artists for its candid lyrics about mental‑health issues. Threets highlighted the song’s impact by urging viewers to give Doechii flowers as a sign of appreciation for her openness.

## What Threets Has Shared About His Struggles

Threets first discussed his mental‑health crisis in an April interview with NBC Bay Area.

He said he had left a library position “for mental health reasons” and that he had “planned to take my own life in March 2024.” The interview also noted that he had begun traveling across the United States after leaving work and that he now serves as a resident librarian for PBS Kids, in addition to hosting Reading Rainbow.

In his August 17 Threads post, Threets stated he was “seeking help” and would be admitted to a hospital the following day. He added, “In this moment, I am safe. By God’s grace.” The message included a thank‑you to people who had cared for him and expressed ongoing gratitude.

Threets’ TikTok tribute to Doechii was posted just days before his hospital admission. In the video he holds a bouquet and urges fans to give the singer flowers for her song about anxiety. He concluded, “Thank you, Doechii, we love you.” The post was accompanied by the caption, “We really needed that, and she came through!”

## Implications for Mental Health Visibility in Media

Threets’ openness occurs while he prepares to host a program aimed at children’s literacy. His candid statements may influence how mental‑health issues are perceived by younger audiences.

The public nature of his disclosures—, Threads, and an interview—provides a high‑profile example of a public figure sharing personal struggle without seeking to sensationalize.

Doechii’s earlier interviews with Flood magazine in 2024 described her own challenges with alcohol, drugs, and anxiety. She said she “had to trust audiences not to use this against me” and that speaking about her struggles was therapeutic.

Her willingness to discuss mental health has already inspired fans who have shared their own experiences online.

Both Threets and Doechii illustrate a broader trend in entertainment where artists use social media to speak on mental‑health topics. Their stories are catalogued under the national crisis helpline resources, reminding viewers that help is available through 988 or online chat at 988lifeline.org.

Their public disclosures may encourage others to seek support.

In the weeks following Threets’ hospital admission, PBS Kids has not released a statement about his current status. However, the network has indicated that his hosting duties will continue once he recovers. The episode schedule for Reading Rainbow remains unchanged, with the first season set to premiere later this year.