**Howie Mandel Admits to Being ‘Incredibly Medicated,’ Describes His Mental Health Struggles as ‘Absolute Hell’**
Howie Mandel, the beloved comedian, TV host, and judge on *America’s Got Talent*, has opened up about his ongoing struggles with mental health in a candid new interview. In a brave and vulnerable conversation, Mandel admitted that he has been “incredibly medicated” in his efforts to manage his mental health challenges, revealing that his journey has been nothing short of “absolute hell.”
The 68-year-old star, known for his quick wit and energetic personality, has long been open about his struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, it’s only recently that he has begun to share more details about how these conditions have profoundly impacted his life, even to the point of requiring extensive medication.
Mandel described his experience with mental illness as a dark and consuming journey. “It’s been absolute hell,” he said, explaining that the constant anxiety, irrational thoughts, and overwhelming obsessions made it difficult to function on a daily basis. He revealed that despite his public persona as a lively and upbeat entertainer, there have been countless days when he felt completely trapped by his mental health issues.
“I’ve been in and out of therapy for years,” Mandel shared, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help. “For me, therapy is a way of surviving, and medication is a way of thriving.” The comedian also made it clear that he doesn’t shy away from talking about mental health with others, which has helped him not only cope but also reduce the stigma surrounding these issues. He expressed that being open about his struggles has been one of the keys to his ongoing recovery.
In addition to medication, Mandel credited his close-knit family and friends for providing unwavering support during his toughest moments. His family has been instrumental in helping him manage his OCD, and they’ve played an integral role in reminding him to stay grounded when the pressures of his career and personal life become overwhelming.
While Mandel’s struggles with anxiety and OCD have been intense, he remains optimistic about his journey toward healing. He urged others facing similar battles to not be afraid to ask for help and to never give up on the road to recovery. “It’s okay to not be okay,” Mandel stated, encouraging others to seek the help they need, just as he has.
Mandel’s openness about his mental health struggles not only sheds light on the complexities of living with anxiety and OCD but also serves as a reminder that even the most successful and outwardly confident individuals can face serious challenges behind closed doors. His willingness to share his story has undoubtedly paved the way for others to feel more comfortable in opening up about their own mental health journeys.
