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Howie Mandel is opening up about the difficult period he experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing that his attempts to cope with anxiety and sleeplessness through self-medication nearly cost him his life.
The America's Got Talent judge discussed his mental health during an Aug. 24 appearance on Hoda Kotb's Joy 101 podcast. Mandel, who has spoken publicly about living with anxiety and OCD, said he currently takes prescribed medication and attends therapy to manage his symptoms.
"I've medicated myself, and I'm talking about prescription medication, I'm not self-medicating, though I did that during COVID, and I almost died," Mandel said.
He explained that the pandemic was particularly difficult because of his longstanding fear of germs. Unable to sleep as his thoughts became increasingly difficult to manage, Mandel said he began using marijuana-infused gummies to help him sleep.
"I wasn't strong enough to handle it," he said, explaining that the situation eventually escalated. He began smoking and drinking as he tried to "escape and make myself unconscious."
The comedian said his behavior became so concerning that his wife, Terry Mandel, sometimes struggled to wake him.
"There were times when my wife couldn't wake me up or she thought she was going to take me to the hospital," he recalled.
Mandel acknowledged that he has never been someone who can easily do things in moderation, adding, "It wasn't healthy and it wasn't good. It's not an excuse, but it was really bad."
He said he is now sober and relies on professional support to manage his mental health. Mandel described distraction and staying busy as important ways of preventing himself from becoming consumed by what he called "dark, reoccurring thoughts."
His wife has also played an important role in getting him to seek help. Mandel credited Terry with pushing him into therapy when his struggles became too difficult for their family.
"She's like a hero," he said.
According to Mandel, Terry eventually gave him an ultimatum, telling him, "I can't do this. This is really tiring. Go talk to somebody."
Mandel said her decision ultimately encouraged him to seek professional help, adding that he does not know how she managed to support him through that period.
Now, he says he continues to rely on therapy, medication and staying occupied as he works to manage his mental health.
