Howie Mandel has revealed how he “almost died” while severely struggling with his mental health during the pandemic. The “America’s Got Talent” judge has been open with the public about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but now he’s shared how his mental health led him to an incredibly dark place.
What Did Howie Say?
GettyHowie has a severe aversion to germs, so when COVID-19 struck and it felt like the virus could be anywhere and everywhere, it made it incredibly difficult for Howie to manage his OCD and anxiety.
Speaking on Hoda Kotb’s ‘Joy 101’ podcast on Monday, Howie shared how he turned to smoking and drinking to try to cope. He said: “I’m sober right now, but during the pandemic I couldn’t sleep because part of my [OCD] rumination is – I make fun of it – but I’m a germaphobe, and a pandemic? I live like I’m in a pandemic anyhow.
“And when there’s a real one, it was hard for me to handle. It was hard for a lot of people, but I wasn’t strong enough to handle it. I couldn’t sleep, so I started taking gummies to go to sleep..
Howie noted that he was “just trying to escape and make [himself unconscious] but there were a number of times where he didn’t wake up and his wife, Terry, had to intervene.
He continued: “There were times when my wife, she couldn’t wake me up, or she was going to take me to the hospital. There’s no middle ground with me. I don’t smoke, or I haven’t had a beer, or anything. I can’t do anything in moderation. It wasn’t healthy, and it wasn’t good. It’s not an excuse, but it was really bad. She’s a hero because she put up with it and sent me to therapy.”
Howie Mandel’s Career
Howie Mandel is a stand-up comedian as well as an actor and television host. Many fans today know him from his role as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” but he’s had an incredible career outside of that, spanning four decades.
Howie’s stand-up journey began by accident back in the 1970s when the star was dared to go on stage at a venue called Yuk Yuk’s in Toronto. His impromptu routine and quick wit impressed the owner, launching his comedy career. Howie subsequently began performing sets at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. This led to him receiving more bookings as well as to his TV debut on a game show called “Make Me Laugh”.
Other TV roles Howie landed include the role of Dr. Wayne Fiscus in hit medical drama”St. Elsewhere” (1982 – 1988), and he created, executive-produced and starred in the children’s series “Bobby’s World” (190 – 1998). The series went on to be nominated for an Emmy Award.
Howie furhter provided the voice of Gizmo in the film “Gremlins” from 1984. He really has achieved so much over the decades!
We wish Howie all the best with his mental health and future endeavours. You’re doing amazingly!
