Known for his constant refrain of “don’t touch me,” Howie Mandel startled everyone in September 2023 by giving Reba McEntire a tight hug on The Voice stage.
Despite his crippling fear of germs, the comic gave in to his excitement and was unable to resist the charm of the country music singer.
While Mandel presents a positive and cheerful image when in the spotlight, behind the scenes, he acknowledges that he is a “scared” person who would rather live in perpetual alertness.
He recently came clean about how he handles the OCD that haunts him, calling it an ongoing battle.
The global epidemic increased awareness of the dangers of contamination and stoked the inner germaphobia of many people.
Some people’s fear of germs has faded with time, but for others, it is still present and quite strong.
Howie Mandel, who has struggled with extreme anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) since infancy, admits, “It is impossible for me to live a day in my life without thinking that we might not survive.” In an interview with People, the 68-year-old television star shared his anxiety regarding the pandemic, saying, “But the comfort I would get would be the fact that everybody around me was okay.” Even if it was consoling, the epidemic brought attention to the world’s unrest, which made it an especially difficult period for him.
OCD is typified by a “pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions,” according to the Mayo Clinic. These obsessions force people to engage in compulsive behaviors or repetitive tasks. These obsessions and habits can seriously interfere with everyday activities and be extremely stressful.
It’s commonly believed that laughter is the best medicine.
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