LOS ANGELES — For viral librarian and “Reading Rainbow” host Mychal Threets, his mental health recovery is an ongoing process.

In a candid Instagram video published Saturday, the Bay Area librarian and social media star updated his social media supporters about his condition, days after stirring concern online and announcing his plans to seek treatment at a hospital.

“I haven’t been okay for what feels like a very, very long time,” he said, repeating, “I am not okay, but I have hope I will get to okay.”

“It’s gonna take a long time for me to be okay,” he adds, lowering his head into his hands. “It’s going to take a long time.”

Threets recently returned from a five-day psychiatric hold at the hospital, he confirmed at the beginning of his video. He also apologized for worrying his fans. In a separate post Sunday, he shared photos of his younger and current selves and celebrated survival and progress in his caption.

“I am not okay, I’m on a journey to discover okay. I am not better, I’m getting help to be better,” he wrote. “Today I am safe, I am believing that is enough.”

Before his hospitalization, Threets had spoken openly about his longtime struggles with mental health. He shared his experiences with therapy and medication in 2024, and also spoke about the more difficult times he has faced as a librarian and finding joy during difficult times.

In the days following Threets’ announcement, several friends and loved ones reassured the headbanded personality’s fans that he is receiving proper care and working slowly toward recovery.

Threets concluded his Sunday post with an affirmation: “You are enough. One day at a time. One tomorrow.”

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