Howie Mandel, the well-known comedian, actor, and host of America’s Got Talent, has never shied away from speaking his truth. Recently, he opened up once again about his long-standing struggle with mental health—a condition he says has shaped much of his personal and professional life.
In a candid interview, Mandel revealed how living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety has been both a burden and, strangely, a motivator. “Every day is a challenge,” he said. “But if sharing my experience helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.”
Mandel was diagnosed with OCD in his 40s, but he admits the signs were there long before. He describes feeling overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, fear of germs, and a constant need to control his surroundings—symptoms that only worsened in the spotlight of fame. “I used to think I was just weird,” he confessed. “I didn’t know what it was or how to talk about it.”
For years, the comedian relied on humor as a defense mechanism. “Making people laugh was how I masked what was going on inside,” Mandel said. But behind the jokes, he was battling anxiety attacks, depressive episodes, and a fear of being misunderstood.
The COVID-19 pandemic made things even harder. “For someone with germ-related OCD, a global pandemic is your worst nightmare,” he shared. “I spiraled. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t stop cleaning. I was terrified.” At one point, Mandel said he feared he would completely lose control.
Despite his challenges, Mandel continues to work in television and comedy, crediting therapy, medication, and a strong support system for keeping him grounded. He also emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health.
“I want people to know it’s okay to not be okay,” he said. “There’s no shame in getting help. You’re not broken—you’re human.”
Today, Howie Mandel uses his platform not just to entertain, but to advocate for greater awareness and compassion toward mental illness. “If my story makes someone feel seen, then I’ve done something good.”