Famous for his frequent refrain of “don’t touch me,” Howie Mandel shocked everyone when he embraced Reba McEntire tightly on The Voice stage in September 2023.
The comedian succumbed to his excitement, unable to resist the charm of the country music star, despite his debilitating fear of germs.
Mandel may appear upbeat and joyful in the limelight, but offstage, he admits to being a “scared” individual who prefers to live in a constant state of caution.
Recently, he made a candid revelation about managing the OCD that torments him, describing it as a relentless struggle.
The global pandemic heightened many people’s inner germaphobia, raising awareness about the risks of contamination.
While some individuals’ fear of germs has subsided over time, for others, it remains persistent and overwhelming.
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“It is impossible for me to live a day in my life without thinking that we might not survive,” confesses Howie Mandel, who has battled severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) since childhood. The 68-year-old television personality expressed his distress over the pandemic in an interview with People, stating, “But the comfort I would get would be the fact that everybody around me was okay.” While comforting, the pandemic highlighted the global turmoil, making it an exceptionally challenging time for him.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, OCD is characterized by a “pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions.” These obsessions compel individuals to perform repetitive actions or compulsions. These behaviors and obsessions can be highly distressing and significantly disrupt daily activities.
Laughter is often considered the best medicine.
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