Sophia Michaels
Howie Mandel’s journey from a mischievous kid in Toronto to a Hollywood celebrity began unexpectedly when he appeared on “Make Me Laugh” in 1979 after a chance performance at the Comedy Store. His career flourished with roles like on NBC’s “St. Elsewhere” and hosting “Deal or No Deal.” Despite his success and estimated net worth of $60 million, Mandel has been vocal about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rooted in a fear of germs.
The Daily Struggles of Howie Mandel’s Life with OCD
Although Howie Mandel faced symptoms of OCD throughout his life, he only received an official diagnosis when he was in his 40s. Despite initially feeling embarrassed and wanting to keep it private, Mandel has since been open about his mental health journey. He emphasizes the importance of erasing the stigma surrounding mental health issues by sharing his experiences and advocating for understanding and support. Dealing with OCD is an ongoing battle for Mandel as there is no cure, leading to constant struggles, fear-driven behaviors, and intrusive thoughts.
Overcoming Childhood Trauma: Howie Mandel’s Story
Before his OCD diagnosis, Howie Mandel faced childhood trauma from a horrifying incident during a family trip to Miami, where he was infested by sand fly larvae. The unsuccessful medical treatments he endured left lasting psychological scars that manifested in his OCD later in life. The distressing memory of the larvae burrowing under his skin still haunts him, triggering his fear of germs and obsessive behaviors.
Howie Mandel’s Struggles with OCD, ADHD, and Anxiety
In addition to his battle with OCD, Howie Mandel has also confronted attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Mandel shared in 2023 that OCD often coexists with anxiety and depression, leading him to dark moments where he struggled to continue. Despite his love for his family and career, Mandel admitted to experiencing deep depressive episodes that were hard to overcome.
Furthermore, Mandel disclosed that he was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, finding comfort in stand-up comedy and hosting “Deal or No Deal” as distractions from his fears, even if only temporarily. The comedian confessed to the challenges of living with his conditions, describing his experience as living in a nightmare.
The Impact of OCD and ADHD on Howie Mandel’s Family
Howie Mandel’s struggles with OCD and ADHD didn’t just affect his life but also placed a strain on his family. Mandel admitted in a 2022 article that his wife and children had to seek therapy due to the challenges his disorders presented.
His difficulties in communication caused by ADHD made it hard for Mandel to engage in meaningful conversations with his wife, impacting their relationship over the years. Mandel’s fear-driven behaviors, even before his OCD diagnosis, caused distress within his family, leading his wife to demand he seek professional help or face consequences.
How COVID-19 Took a Toll on Howie Mandel
Howie Mandel expressed the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, revealing that his fear of germs was severely triggered by the health crisis. The thought of his family falling ill added to his anxiety, making it a traumatic period for him.
Contracting COVID-19 himself in 2022 exacerbated Mandel’s mental health struggles as he isolated and battled depression. The isolation intensified his fears, emphasizing the importance of distractions for his well-being.
The Relationship Between Howie Mandel’s Disorders and His Daughter’s Health
Howie and Terry Mandel’s eldest daughter, Jackelyn, also grapples with anxiety and OCD, issues she traces back to her father. Despite the struggles, Jackelyn found support in her father during challenging times, highlighting the importance of their bond.
While Mandel regrets passing on his conditions to his daughter, their shared experiences have brought them closer, offering mutual understanding and support. Their journey together demonstrates the complexity of living with OCD, ADHD, and anxiety within a family dynamic.
Howie Mandel’s Starbucks Health Scare
Howie Mandel experienced a health scare in October 2021 during a visit to Starbucks in LA. Mandel fainted, which led to a 911 call reporting chest pain. Paramedics arrived to find him conscious but still took him to the hospital for precautionary reasons.
Mandel later updated on X, stating he was dehydrated with low blood sugar but was feeling better and back home. He attributed his condition to dehydration following a recent colonoscopy, which caused him to feel dizzy and faint.
Howie Mandel’s Wife’s Vegas Incident
In 2024, Howie Mandel’s wife, Terry, had an accident after a night out in Las Vegas. Terry, feeling tipsy, walked into a wall in their hotel room in the dark, resulting in a severe injury with bleeding and a broken cheek.
Despite the severity of the situation, the hotel initially sent security instead of an ambulance, suspecting foul play. Mandel clarified that the incident occurred because Terry was under the influence of weed gummies, not alcohol.
