On a recent episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Howie Mandel opened up about his struggles with mental illness. The famous comedian revealed that his celebrity status hasn’t always been a positive influence on his mental health. Despite his cheery exterior, Mandel admitted that it’s a different story when he’s alone at home.
Kelly Clarkson, who hosted the show, was taken aback by this revelation. Mandel went on to explain that he relies heavily on medication to cope with his mental health issues. Surprised by his comments, Clarkson found it hard to understand why someone would make derogatory remarks about her.
Mandel’s battle with mental illness is not a new one. Since his early childhood, he has grappled with anxiety and OCD. As a result, he often felt out of place and labeled as “strange” due to his inability to make friends with classmates. While he now embraces his uniqueness and even believes that being quirky is a part of his job as a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” every day remains a struggle for him.
Despite having a loving family and a fulfilling career, Mandel sometimes finds himself trapped in sadness that feels impossible to escape. He likens this experience to a never-ending nightmare, desperately trying to ground himself. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mandel faced additional worry and anxiety, constantly plagued by thoughts of his own mortality. Although the well-being of those closest to him provided some comfort, the state of the world as a whole was deeply distressing.
For many years, Mandel kept his mental health struggles hidden from the public eye. He felt ashamed and feared that revealing his instability would jeopardize his career prospects. It wasn’t until 2006 that he finally decided to speak out. Mandel initially believed that he had let his family down, but he soon realized that the stigma surrounding mental health could also hinder his ability to work.
Mandel’s depression has been an ongoing battle, and he acknowledges that the general public may not fully comprehend the severity of his condition. Like many comedians, he uses comedy as a coping mechanism. Mandel credits comedy with saving him and describes performing as his sanctuary. By sharing his own experiences, he hopes to break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
While Mandel knows that his journey won’t be easy, he remains steadfast in his belief that even amidst the darkness, there will be moments of light. He recognizes that some people may find his struggles amusing, but this doesn’t make them any less real or challenging for him. With unwavering optimism, Mandel is determined to play his part in ending the stigma associated with mental health issues, even if it means facing obstacles along the way.
