Howie Mandel Says He ‘Almost Died’ Amid Mental Health Struggles, Wife Gave Ultimatum

Howie Mandel is sharing a raw and honest account of his mental health journey, revealing that he reached a dangerous point during the COVID-19 pandemic. The comedian and television host recently opened up about his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety struggles, including a period where he said he “almost died.”

What Happened to Howie Mandel?

During a recent interview on Hoda Kotb’s Joy 101 podcast, Mandel detailed how his mental health challenges escalated during the pandemic lockdowns. The 70-year-old entertainer, who has been open about his OCD and ADHD diagnoses, said he began self-medicating to cope with the intense anxiety that came with a real-world pandemic for someone who already identifies as a germaphobe.

“It was hard for a lot of people, but I wasn’t strong enough to handle it,” Mandel admitted. “I couldn’t sleep, so I started taking gummies to go to sleep.” The situation worsened as he began combining sleep gummies with smoking and drinking, attempting to “escape and make myself unconscious.”

Why He Said He ‘Almost Died’

Mandel’s self-medicating behavior became so severe that his wife, Terry Mandel, reached a breaking point. “There were times when my wife, she couldn’t wake me up or she thought she was going to take me to the hospital,” Mandel recalled.

He acknowledged that his behavior was unhealthy and concerning: “It wasn’t healthy and it wasn’t good. It’s not an excuse, but it was really bad.” The comedian said he has difficulty with moderation, noting “there’s no middle ground with me.”

Terry Mandel’s Ultimatum

After more than 40 years of marriage, Terry Mandel gave her husband a firm ultimatum that ultimately helped him seek professional help. Mandel explained, “Finally, my wife just went, ‘I can’t do this, this is really tiring, go talk to somebody.'”

He described the ultimatum as a critical turning point: “The ultimatum was, try to find some help, because I can’t do this anymore. She’s a hero because she put up with it and sent me to therapy.”

Mandel called his wife his “hero” for intervening when he couldn’t help himself.

How Therapy Helped

Today, Mandel manages his mental health through a combination of prescription medication and ongoing therapy. He told Kotb, “I’m medicated and I have a lot of therapy. I have such a fear of those lows, because they’re incredibly painful and hard to navigate.”

The comedian also relies on staying busy as a coping mechanism, using distraction to manage the “dark, reoccurring thoughts” that often appear when his mind has time to rest. He emphasized that he now works with medical professionals and no longer self-medicates.

Howie Mandel’s Career

Mandel is best known for his roles as a judge on America’s Got Talent and as the host of Deal or No Deal. His career spans decades in comedy, television, and film, including his memorable role in the 1984 film Gremlins.

His public mental health journey has helped many people feel less alone. Mandel was initially diagnosed with OCD, anxiety, and ADHD in his 40s. In a pivotal moment years ago, he accidentally disclosed his diagnosis on the Howard Stern Show, but instead of career damage, he received an outpouring of support from people who shared similar struggles. Mandel has said this moment made him realize he was “not alone.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What mental health conditions does Howie Mandel have?
Howie Mandel has publicly disclosed that he lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

2. Did Howie Mandel almost die?
Mandel has said he “almost died” during the COVID-19 pandemic due to self-medicating behaviors that became dangerous. He recalled his wife being unable to wake him up at times and her concern that she might need to take him to the hospital.

3. What did Terry Mandel say to Howie?
Terry Mandel gave her husband an ultimatum, telling him “I can’t do this, this is really tiring, go talk to somebody.” She encouraged him to seek professional help.

4. Is Howie Mandel sober now?
Yes, Mandel has stated he is currently sober. He said, “I’m sober right now” during his recent interview.

5. How does Howie Mandel manage his OCD today?
Mandel manages his OCD and anxiety through prescription medication, regular therapy, and staying busy with work to distract from negative thoughts.

6. What podcast did Howie Mandel appear on?
Mandel shared his story on Hoda Kotb’s Joy 101 podcast.

7. When was Howie Mandel diagnosed with OCD?
Mandel was diagnosed with OCD, anxiety, and ADHD in his 40s.

8. Has Howie Mandel’s openness about mental health helped others?
Yes, Mandel has said that after accidentally disclosing his diagnosis on the Howard Stern Show, he received an outpouring of support from people who shared similar struggles, making him realize he was “not alone.”

Key Facts