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Howie Mandel 'almost died' while self-medicating during COVID-19 pandemic
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Key Points:
- Howie Mandel revealed on Hoda Kotb’s “Joy 101” podcast that his OCD and ADHD led him to self-medicate during the COVID-19 pandemic, which nearly cost him his life.
- Mandel struggled with anxiety and insomnia exacerbated by his germophobia, leading him to use gummies, smoking, and drinking in an attempt to escape and sleep.
- His wife, Terry, gave him an ultimatum to seek professional help, which he credits as a turning point in managing his mental health.
- Mandel is now medicated and attends therapy regularly to control his anxiety and maintain sobriety.
- During the early pandemic, Mandel’s germophobia was visible as he wore protective gear on the “America’s Got Talent” set and joked about hoarding PPE for decades.
