Introduction
For many people scrolling on their phones looking for a reprieve from their day, Jake Shane is spit-out-your-drink, laugh-so-hard-your-stomach-hurts funny – something that has earned him 3.2 million followers on TikTok.
But his more devoted fans have also come to appreciate that the 24-year-old contains multitudes.
Vulnerability in Humor
“I’ve had a really hard few weeks. I don’t know why,” he says over a Zoom call from Los Angeles. “It’s the summer blues, I guess. I kind of feel like I’m reaching a breaking point, just full transparency. You know, when you’re like on the verge of a breakdown? I don’t know if that’s what people want to hear, but that is the truth.”
People do want to hear it, as Shane’s videos – sometimes vulnerable, sometimes hilarious – regularly rack up hundreds of thousands if not millions of views. Not to mention his podcast “Therapuss,” where he acts as an amateur therapist, gabbing with celebrity guests like Charli XCX, Joe Jonas and Saweetie, and doles out advice to faithful listeners.
Breaking Stigmas
In the process he’s shattering expectations and leaning into authentic conversations about mental health; he has both anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.
“The stigma with mental health has decreased significantly over the past several decades, and I think it’s because people are talking about it, particularly celebrities,” says Kevin Chapman, founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders.
Embracing Fame
Shane is embracing his new celebrity identity as he can. “I can’t imagine my life doing anything else. I just love entertaining.”
Fears of Losing Success
Shane, like many influencers, went viral practically overnight. He started out rating and reviewing octopus as a food critic a few years ago and has since branched out into creating skits where he reenacts historical events.
Speaking of venting: Recently, his brain has been jumping from worry to worry to worry as his career reaches new heights. “Therapuss” is going on tour this fall across the U.S. and Canada.
Managing Anxiety
How does Shane calm down during moments of turbulence? He has a breathing alarm that, well, reminds him to breathe; he works out; and he throws himself into a TV show or pop star discography. His latest TV binge: “Girls,” which he appreciates for its depiction of OCD.
He also credits his friends, including his three roommates, for being there for him. “I would not be level-headed,” he says. “I just wouldn’t be fine without them.”
Conclusion
Shane’s journey reflects the complexities of mental health, fame, and the importance of community support. His authenticity resonates with many, making him a relatable figure in the world of social media.
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