Known for often saying, “Don’t touch me!” Howie Mandel stunned everyone in September 2023 when he hugged Reba McEntire on the stage of The Voice.
The comedian, who has a severe fear of germs, couldn’t resist the excitement and charm of the country music star.
On stage, Mandel seems energetic and happy, but off screen, he admits he’s a “scared” man who prefers to stay “in the fetal position.”
Recently, he shared a shocking secret about how he deals with the OCD that brings him to “absolute hell.” Keep reading to learn more!
The global pandemic turned many people into germaphobes, making them very aware of contamination dangers.
For some, the fear lasted only a few years, but for others, like Mandel, it’s a never-ending struggle.
“There isn’t a waking moment of my life when ‘we could die’ doesn’t come into my psyche,” says Howie Mandel, who has battled severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) since childhood. Speaking with People, the 68-year-old TV star explains the pandemic was especially tough:
“The solace I would get would be the fact that everybody around me was okay. But [during the pandemic] the whole world was not okay. And it was absolute hell.”
The Mayo Clinic describes OCD as a “pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions get in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress.”
“I’m living in a nightmare,” says the Canadian-born comic. “I try to anchor myself. I have a beautiful family,” says Mandel of his wife Terry (married in 1980), and their three kids, Alex, Riley, and Jackie. “…I love what I do. But at the same time, I can fall into a dark depression I can’t get out of.”
Laughter is the best medicine
Mandel, who had his big break in 1982 on the medical drama St. Elsewhere, explains that every day is a struggle but his humor helps him cope.
“My coping skill is finding the funny. If I’m not laughing, then I’m crying. And I still haven’t been that open about how dark and ugly it really gets.”
Using comedy to fight OCD, Mandel adds, “I’m most comfortable on stage. And when I don’t have anything to do, I turn inward, and that’s not good.”
Bringing his unmatched humor to every project, Mandel always stays busy, serving as a judge on America’s Got Talent (AGT) and hosting other shows.
‘Incredibly medicated’
In 2022, he chatted with Kelly Clarkson on her talk show and openly discussed his mental health issues.
“I’m neurotic, I have OCD…so people think that I’m enjoying myself, and I’m out and among people…I’m scared. I like to go home and just live in the fetal position,” he told the host.
Surprised by Mandel’s hidden side, Clarkson replied, “It’s so funny to me, because every time I’m around you, even seeing you out of work…you’re so the opposite of what I would think.”
“I know, I’m such a joy, I’m a light, I’m an energy, and I’m stunning,” Mandel joked. “…I’ll be honest with you, I’m incredibly medicated.”
Hugging Reba
That medication might have fueled his eagerness when seeing Reba McEntire on the stage of The Voice.
Leaping from the audience while calling her name, Mandel ran up to the country music star – a panelist on the show – and said, “We’re right next door shooting the AGT finale. Would you sign my shirt?”
@nbcthevoice wait obsessed that #howiemandel is as big of a #reba fan as us!! #thevoice ♬ original sound – NBC's The Voice
After she signed his “I [heart] Reba” shirt, Mandel shocked viewers by tightly hugging McEntire.
“You don’t see that every day,” the show’s presenter, Carson Daly, commented on the man who usually avoids physical contact.
Explaining his surprising behavior, Mandel says, “People see inconsistencies, especially in the media. ‘Oh he hugged someone’ or ‘he shook someone’s hand.’ I can shake your hand. But then I’d think I didn’t wash it well enough. And I’d go back and forth in a loop washing my hands for hours.”
I’ll hug. I just won’t shake hands https://t.co/2bcZeWiFDP
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) January 14, 2024
Committed to keeping the conversation on mental health alive, he continues, “I understand the funny in that. But it doesn’t mean it isn’t incredibly painful. And I don’t want to defend my mental health. I just want to maintain it.”
In 2022, Mandel got Covid – mild because he is “vaxxed” and “boosted” – which reminds us that fearing infection isn’t enough to keep you safe.
What do you think of Howie Mandel and his openness about his mental health? Let us know your thoughts and share this story to help start the conversation!
1 thought on “Howie Mandel reveals he’s ‘incredibly medicated,’ admits mental health struggles are ‘absolute hell’”
Praying for God’s help with your battles! I deal with depression myself from time to time. I have spent the majority of my life working with individuals with mental health issues so I know the battles and how difficult they can be. Keep your head up and keep going Howie. You can do it. Always think of the good days to help overcome the bad.