Comedian Howie Mandel, known for his debilitating fear of germs and OCD, recently opened up about his struggles. Though he seems energetic on stage, Mandel reveals that off-screen, he often feels scared and prefers isolation. The pandemic intensified his anxiety, turning his life into what he describes as “absolute hell.”

Mandel has battled OCD and severe anxiety since childhood, a condition marked by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, as defined by the Mayo Clinic. Despite loving his work and family, he often falls into deep depression, relying on humor as his main coping mechanism. He finds solace on stage but struggles when left alone, as his condition worsens.

In a 2022 interview with Kelly Clarkson, Mandel admitted that while he appears joyful, he is often terrified and heavily medicated. This duality was highlighted during a recent episode of The Voice when he surprised everyone by hugging Reba McEntire, despite his usual avoidance of physical contact. Mandel acknowledges these inconsistencies but stresses the reality and pain of his mental health struggles. He is committed to maintaining his mental health and continuing the conversation around it.

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