Jake Shane, also known online as Octopusslover8, is an American influencer & comedian. He went viral in 2023 for reenacting historical events in a humorous way on TikTok. He was nominated for a Streamy Award in 2023 and included in TikToks inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride Visionary Voices List.Jake consistently posts about his mental health on social media specifically, he has discussed his anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He wrote about his obsessive-compulsive disorder,here. In January 2024, Jake launched his Therapuss podcast which is a talk show that puts Jake Shane, in the proverbial therapists chair.Your USA Today interview with David Oliver is incredible. You mention experiencing anxiety at a young age around your gay identity. When you were younger, what would have made you feel more comfortable or mitigated some of that anxiety?First off, thank you. I have a really easy time being vulnerable about my mental health but I do get insecure once I talk about it that someone will say Im being dramatic. I honestly dont knowprobably not much other than medication. Having OCD is really, really tough especially when your symptoms are so niche and catered to your fears. I would say seeing my anxiety represented in mainstream media always gave me solace in the fact I wasnt alone which lessened the fear that I was the only person who felt that way.Taking care of your mental health while managing an online persona can be tough whether you have 100 followers or 1 million. Can you share your experience around managing anxiety and taking care of your mental health when showing up online?I literally dont. My anxiety is worse than ever and Im medicated. Im my own worst enemy though, and I check social media at all times of the day. Im addicted. The career itself seems so fleeting and based in public opinion which really scares me.Having strong support systems can positively impact a young LGBTQ+ persons mental health. For you, its great to hear that your friends and roommates are there for you. When youre experiencing challenging moments, in what ways do they show up for you? They just listen to me. Its the most important thing. They let me talk out my anxieties and help me with solutions that could help. Sometimes I just wanna feel validated, it makes me feel less alone and supported.Therapuss is going on tour this fall. In addition to fun, excitement, and laughter, what feelings or learnings do you want audiences to walk away with?I want everyone to feel the same way I feel watching Lena Dunham on HBOs Girlsthat being flawed is normal, sometimes frustrating, and, most of all, hilarious.You share with USA Today the importance of being heard and validated. The Trevor Project trained crisis counselors practice non-judgment, empathy, and active listening. They are also LGBTQ+ competent, and the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has a dedicated LGBTQ+ subnetwork to support LGBTQ+ contacts. Why do you think its important to provide specialized services to LGBTQ+ crisis contacts?Being LGBTQ+ is an incredibly unique experienceone that those who dont experience it have a hard time understanding all the nuances that go into it. Its important for people in the community to talk to their peers confidently, and with the comfort that, in some capacity, theyve experienced something similar.The post On Influencing, Mental Health, and Being LGBTQ+ with Jake Shane (Octopusslover8) appeared first on The Trevor Project.