For countless individuals looking for a break while browsing their phones, Jake Shane is the kind of comic relief that leaves you laughing until your sides hurt – and this humor has amassed him a staggering 3.2 million followers on TikTok.

His dedicated followers have come to recognize that the 24-year-old embodies a complex persona.

“I’ve been having a really tough few weeks. I’m not sure why,” he shares during a Zoom call from Los Angeles. “Maybe it’s just the summer blues. I feel like I’m at a breaking point; honestly, I feel like I’m on the verge of a breakdown. I’m not sure that’s what people want to hear, but it’s the truth.”

And people actually want to hear it, as Shane’s videos – balancing vulnerability with humor – consistently garner hundreds of thousands to millions of views. His podcast, “Therapuss,” where he plays an amateur therapist chatting with celebrities like Charli XCX, Joe Jonas, and Saweetie, also attracts a loyal audience. Through these channels, he’s breaking stereotypes and encouraging open discussions about mental health; he deals with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

“Over the last few decades, the stigma surrounding mental health has markedly lessened, and I believe that’s due to increased discussions, especially among celebrities,” says Kevin Chapman, founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders.

Shane is trying to embrace his new fame as best as he can. “I can’t picture my life any other way. I truly enjoy entertaining.”

‘I’m just so afraid of it disappearing’

Shane, much like numerous influencers, became an internet sensation almost overnight. He started as a food critic rating and reviewing octopus a few years back and later expanded to skits reenacting historic moments. One notable skit involved him portraying a founding father exasperated over John Hancock signing the Declaration of Independence (and similar content). His follower count skyrocketed from 60,000 to 1 million within just a week. Recently, his posts have included dance challenges, Taylor Swift sing-alongs, and candid emotional outbursts.

As for venting, these days his mind is racing with worries as his career climbs to new levels. His podcast, “Therapuss,” is set to tour across the U.S. and Canada this fall.

“As the podcast grows, I feel more and more like I’m losing control of my own story,” he admits. “And that feeling is terrifying, leading to waves of anxiety and obsessive thoughts.”

He worries about appearing ungrateful but insists that isn’t the case. “It’s frustrating because great things happen, but I find it hard to enjoy them or be happy, as I’m terrified of them disappearing.”

‘That makes me really anxious’

Shane identifies as gay and recalls feeling “extremely anxious” about it when he was younger. He came out to his parents in fourth grade (who were accepting) but didn’t inform anyone else until high school. While he embraces his sexuality today, the LGBTQ+ “scene” still overwhelms him.

“That makes me really anxious,” he admits. “Being romantic and intimate with someone is nerve-wracking. Just getting out there gives me anxiety. I’m still not completely at ease in my own body, and I believe that ties into my being gay. I’m not entirely sure how, but I sense it does.”

‘One of my favorite people on earth’

How does Shane find peace during stressful times? He uses a breathing reminder app, exercises, and immerses himself in a good TV show or pop star’s music. His current favorite binge-watch is “Girls,” which he appreciates for its authentic representation of OCD.

He also values his friends, especially his three roommates, for their constant support. “Without them, I wouldn’t be able to stay grounded,” he reflects. “I wouldn’t be okay without their presence.”

Shane has also connected with various celebrities who have appeared on his podcast, including Glen Powell from “Twisters.” Powell expressed, “Jake is one of my favorite people. I’m really proud of the journey he’s on. He’s America’s sweetheart; he’s witty, self-mocking, and genuinely funny, but the main reason people connect with him is his refreshing authenticity.”

Pop star Tate McCrae added, “Jake is just the same in real life. He’s an incredibly supportive friend and someone I deeply rely on. Whenever I come back home from touring, he’s always one of the first people I want to see. I’m genuinely thankful for him.”

‘They just crave validation’

Listening to Shane’s podcast feels like being a friend as listeners share their experiences and struggles with him, whether it’s about a complicated relationship or awkward family moments, like telling a parent they have bad breath. He often suggests solutions that draw from pop culture references. However, this isn’t a substitute for professional therapy.

“It’s fine if they don’t take my advice; I often don’t follow it either,” he shares. “Sometimes, just having someone listen to your issues is what you need it’s about feeling acknowledged.”

If you require in-depth, therapy-based solutions for personal issues, it’s best to consult a qualified therapist. “Encouraging open discussions about feelings is crucial,” states Luis Cornejo, a licensed marriage and family therapist, “but we must differentiate between raising awareness and offering genuine therapeutic help.”

‘I’ve been guarded my entire life’

If you inquire about Shane’s personal struggles, he’ll probably mention the nasty remarks he gets online. With fame comes a mix of positive and negative attention.

“Every now and then, I see a comment that taps into something someone told me a decade ago. It hits hard because it feels like, ‘Wow, you think that about me?” he reflects. “And it stings even more knowing that someone I trusted might feel the same.”

This reminds him of a line from Lorde’s verse in the remix of Charli XCX’s “Girl,” where she sings about defensiveness and past hurt: “Girl, you walk like a b—- / When I was 10, someone said that / And it’s just self-defense / Until you’re crafting a weapon.”

Shane expresses a desire to have these lines tattooed. “I feel like I’ve always been on the defensive,” he admits.

Balancing his 20s, mental wellness, and social media fame? It’s safe to say he’s having quite a “brat summer.”