Howie Mandel on Managing His OCD

[@codymays9943]

Kudos to Howie for being open about his mental illness. Good man

[@random.9238]

ocd isn't a mental illness, it's a trait.

[@codymays9943]

@@random.9238 Imagine being so confidently incorrect.

[@clinch4402]

@@random.9238 Obsessiveness could be called a trait. OCD cannot by definition. It describes an acute state of obsession that has left someone partially or wholly unable to function in a way that can be recognised in the DSM as healthy. The two are not mutually exclusive, that may be where you are confused.

[@random.9238]

@@codymays9943 yeah, imagine

[@random.9238]

@@clinch4402 mental illness is just the way a pyche chooses to experience reality. its litrally nothing but a way of being.

[@jordanm2936]

“Right now, you’re happy?” “I’m distracted.” Oh Howie… as a fellow OCD sufferer, I understand. Also, we OCD sufferers know what it’s like to live on the brink of insanity.

[@Welcome_To_The_Oasis]

"I'm Distracted" is a term that defines me. I went from a hard working carpenter to a huge gamer because my mind does NOT stop obsessing on my obsessive thoughts unless I am distracted with gaming. I can no longer have a job because of this disorder and I'm trying to get on disability.

[@russellnoe3054]

​@@Welcome_To_The_Oasiscmon man. You can still be a great carpenter

[@mikegarman7593]

@@russellnoe3054u dont understand do u 😂

[@russellnoe3054]

@@mikegarman7593 I have fairly severe OCD and right now I'm pretty focused on my career and am doing pretty good. Its real hard sometimes no doubt but I have hope for the future. Taking it one difficult day at a time.

[@mikegarman7593]

@@russellnoe3054 well i assume u are medicated aswell. I tried 9 different medications and none improved my state of living hell. Its not the same for everyone

[@CS-iv6hp]

Howie, I feel for you and please know that while it’s a struggle, you make so many people laugh and feel good.

[@ash8298]

Howie has been struggling with this shit for what, 20-30 years? At some point you would think he would get better, instead he is drugged up and miserable. Do the fucking work to get better, this is so old and pathetic.

[@robertgiarrusso9118]

Yup he’s a cure for what he says he has

[@robhinkal1484]

As someone with OCD, it really means a lot to hear someone so well known speak about their own struggles. Gives me hope

[@jackmckinney7477]

we are with you

[@rhaegarstark3013]

Yea the distraction making him seem happy was very real, and it is nice that he points out how much people joke about having it or acting like you don’t have it just cause your not always clean or whatever

[@BaptistJoshua]

Maybe try lithium orotate for awhile.

[@jordanm2936]

Agreed❤❤❤ proud of ya for keeping on

[@zyourzgrandzmaz]

​@@BaptistJoshuathat's not for ocd Dr. Walmart.

[@bunnycouture]

I hear him screaming out for help and I pray that his family and friends are able to give him the support he needs to survive. If you read this Howie, thank you for decades of laughter and I hope you'll shine your light into this dark world for decades more! Please keep fighting🙌🏼✌🏼

[@HoyaSaxaSD]

Yes, it’s very concerning. He’s on a global forum basically shouting that he’s very close to a complete breakdown or self harm, IMO. I hope people close to him realize how perilous his situation is-as in, needing immediate in-patient care. That’s what I hear, anyway.

[@bunnycouture]

@@HoyaSaxaSD right?!?! He's hanging by a thread! Please hang tight Howie! Don't let go🙏🏼 I hope it isn't all just too hard to live inside his head🥺

[@teecee4459]

I hear him and his publicists cashing future checks in their minds before they set up this "interview". 🤯

[@paulfoor7388]

What never fails to uplift me are the beautiful words of the Good Teacher found in Matthew chapter 6.

[@shelbi8273]

@@teecee4459 dude you act like mental illness isn’t fucking rampant in America. Did you know even rich and famous people suffer mental illness? The more you know 🙌🏻

[@JeremyThompson21]

I am right there with Howie. Being in my head is torture. Intrusive thoughts are no joke. I'm thankful that he shares his struggle. Makes me feel like somebody else understands me.

[@OmniKoneko]

I have OCD too but I'm glad that I've designed my life in such a way to where I've mitigated how much I'm exposed to the triggers of my compulsions. If I didn't do it then I would be spending many hours a day with my compulsions, with it being mitigated I spend around an hour or so everyday instead. I've also realized that the more I stress about the compulsions happening makes it worse, so I've learned to just let them happen without thinking about, makes it a lot better for myself. And like Howie said, having distractions so that you don't think about things and avoid the triggers is great! Also It's actually insane how it's become like breathing in the ways that I avoid these triggers, for example, one of my Obsessions is caused by looking at specific things on web pages so I've gotten so good at avoiding looking at things to where I don't even realize that I'm doing it lol.

[@abhishekpratapnigam]

I feel the same way bro..so I totally get you

[@michaelgutierrez6133]

I am trying to understand the difference because I do repeatedly get intrusive thoughts but I don’t have any compulsions. dark /weird scenarios that I start putting together in my head based off whatever moment I am in.

[@richardsmith8790]

​@@michaelgutierrez6133It's called Pure O when there are no outward compulsions, but you are still acting them out just in your head.

[@shawwty814]

Very relatable and not talked about enough!! Thanks for speaking on this!

[@brookemoore8369]

I have OCD and once I found out from a meditation practice that my OCD stemmed from a false belief that “I could think my way out of every problem,” it changed the game for me. I discovered that my incessant ruminations and checking patterns were my brain’s way of thinking it could get out of every problem I was having. Wrong. OCD people have a very strong internal voice…. So it’s imperative that we get out into reality and away from our inner voice. We also have to stop believing we can stop problems from happen by just obsessively thinking about them. It takes action, not just thinking!

[@Thunderbaylivegoogle]

100% this is me. thank you for articulating this xo

[@wecanjump7512]

Agreed. We also have to do things that make us uncomfortable. In fact, if something makes me uncomfortable, it probably means I need to do it. And make sure you are getting enough sleep, food, and water, and limit the caffeine. Sounds simple, but it helps. My mind gets very strong if I am tired.

[@brookemoore8369]

@@wecanjump7512 omg same. I think people with OCD NEED sleep. If I don’t get sleep, I get anxiety and slightly paranoid. So glad you pointed that out.

[@miscellaneousb]

This helped me more than you know. I screenshot your comment and it's my new wallpaper. My daily reminder. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@brookemoore8369]

@@miscellaneousb I hope it helps you!

[@elijahbaines7101]

If you're reading this, I really appreciate your insight on your condition, Howie. As a sufferer myself, hearing your story is very relatable.

[@AA-cl2oq]

I’ve nearly cured my OCD with Ketamine Infusion Therapy. If anyone wants anymore info on it, I can tell you everything. It’s been a complete miracle for me and makes it so I can actually live. I’ve been off medication free for 4 years.

[@Brimarieddddddddd]

I’m thankful howie is talking about the reality of ocd. It’s actually hurtful when people make it a joke. OCD is really so misunderstood and can really torture you mentally. The o in ocd stands for obsession as in obsessive thoughts. The c stands for compulsion. The compulsion is motivated by the relief you get temporarily of the obsessive thoughts. The thoughts can be so dark and painful. Thoughts you would never ever want to think. Thoughts that you don’t believe or agree with. They torment you again and again almost like a kid on the playground teasing you. Oh you don’t like that? I’m doing it again. All day long. Howie is right the worst time is when you are alone. Other people around can ground you a bit and distract you so much they get quiet but when you are alone they are loud. 😢

[@FreekFreeksma]

Try meditation. It helps neutralizing the thoughts that you see as ‘dark’ or ‘painful’. Thoughts are just thoughts, illusions, clouds in your head. I really recommend trying it to take the power of OCD away.

[@Bigmommashouse317]

Well said ❤

[@cindycig]

The D is the disorder

[@daijones5558]

The secret to beating OCD, is to stop the compulsion, Not a fan of the word obsession in context to OCD, as it sounds like it's desired by the sufferer. We do the compulsion to cancel out the (obsession) intrusive thought. Had it for years, scrupulousity, etc. But random thoughts from the brain, do not define you, and the compulsion is a trap, if you feed the compulsion, the intrusive thoughts increase in intensity and frequency.

[@SPHYNX99752]

That sounds like PTSD causing self hate from some traumatic life event. My problem is, I have the feeling of knowing true love for the first time... Then having it ripped away from me by suicide, my Sheila was my Juliet, and I her Romeo... Only I couldn't do it... 35 years later I have 10 kids and 8 grandkids. I fight the urge almost daily to leave this mortal coil... 😢

[@jessicaoctopus420]

My whole life I’ve had OCD but I didn’t know until visiting a psychiatrist recently. Watching this made me feel not alone but also sad because I am like Howie in the sense of I seem so happy but I am just distracted. I hope the best for Howie & will pray for us all ☹️💚

[@Bye_Good]

I was very similar to Howie at one stage in my life and what helped me enormously was when I learned that you can rewire your brain and your way of thinking. Being “busy” and keeping “distracted” is not the way. He’s describing having a Fear of Fear and I believe he would benefit from a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) course, as I did. If anyone out there is reading this and you feel hopeless and scared - please please just hold on, you can rewire your brain and create new pathways of thinking and the old ways of thinking will eventually vanish. You can live and love again!

[@nathanguitar4246]

What course did you take? I have the same problems

[@SPHYNX99752]

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps too, but sometimes it's difficult to think away deep feelings of self hate and dreading it.

[@clinch4402]

To share my experience, I have a sibling that used to spend 18 hours a day naked in the bathtub when they were in their teens while my mother hand washed them. I couldn't leave my room or they'd lose their mind, so I just did my business in a bottle. They relapsed a few years ago where they thought they were a predator/bad person, and couldn't let it leave their mind - they went from living life to not knowing how to "live with themselves" and crippling their potential as a human being. Crying on a daily basis because these thoughts that they were terrible would NOT leave their mind. They ended up beating their mind up so badly they created false memories about hurting people. It's terrifyingly sad. I feel immensely for Howie.

[@travman1987]

What the Sam hell are you talking about?

[@natalieh1914]

Heartbreaking

[@wideopenthrottl]

Respect to Howie for shedding light and bringing positive attention to depression and anxiety.

[@ricoamordavila7496]

I dont feel bad for him. Rich, famous, friends, family...omg that poor soul. 😂😂 how does he do it?

[@elijahbaines7101]

@@ricoamordavila7496 ignorant.

[@elizabethwallace-donnelly.2356]

Rícó Amore. I will never forget, how he demonised intelligent people who wouldn't buy into all the Covid madness especially taking the Experimental Gene therapy.. Called "a Vaccine". We were correct all along... Not to touch it... Oh I will never forget what he said......

[@nate5483]

Howie hit every mental health issue I have been treating for the last 5 years so perfectly. Especially when he said "I'm happy now because I'm distracted." God that hit home. I have no idea why some of us have these coginitive behaviors but its soooo exhausting.

[@SPHYNX99752]

The pain is real. Remember to breathe, my brother in anguish. ❤ Weed cookies helped me.

[@jasonbraun127]

It's scary how much I relate to this and the fact that it's coming from someone as likable and successful as him is really touching to me.

[@DragonMasterGuy45000]

Omg thank you so freaking much Howie! I have Clinical OCD myself and it hurts when people always say oh it's just my OCD because I want things my way. When that's not what it is, it's a debilitating illness where you literally can't get out of your own head and overthink yourself to death. That's why we do compulsions, because our brains are trying to distract us and make our obsessions go away. I'm glad someone big finally is clarifying it.

[@alexposilkin9683]

Unfortunately it’s the same when people also use “depressed” and “schizophrenic” as descriptors for how they feel, but the actual clinical disorders people experience are a whole other ballgame.

[@SPHYNX99752]

OCD sounds difficult and different than what Howie described, anxiety and depression might be a result of OCD for some. I don't think I have OCD but, I know I have anxiety and depression. It sounded like a description of PTSD and self hate that spontaneously elicits dark emotions and you find yourself drowning in thoughts of suicide wondering where the hell it's all coming from and getting angry at feeling so focked up..

[@juantwo3]

Howie you seem to be a great human. It can not be easy to know how big of a platform Joe has and go on there and share your most personal stories and thoughts. Thank you for sharing.

[@GanDtech]

As someone who suffers from OCD as well Howie really nails how you're basically always on that "thin line" between being out and about and having a full blown OCD attack.

[@pepinho89]

his entire appearance on this show is an advertisement. even had rogan fooled..... howie is using mental illness to sell products

[@CollboyGamez]

I felt like I have experienced the same when I was abusing cannabis

[@camdenritter7652]

I suffer from it as well. It's hard to talk about it because you run into the ones that Howie is talking about. The ones that don't understand OCD at all, but say "my OCD this, my OCD that." It's refreshing to hear from someone that actually understands. Even just reading your comment gave me some solace.

[@BaptistJoshua]

Consider lithium oroatate.

[@updownkid]

Thank you for your transparency, Mr. Mandel. It’s a beautiful gift to others who struggle.

[@CollectorCody73]

As another fellow person that has OCD, its just amazing to hear and relate to this in so many ways

[@michaelconley-biggs4883]

Howie, this made me weep in the middle of my work. I am not medicated or in therapy but I feel this. Thank you for speaking so openly about it. I've been so ashamed of my dark thoughts and how my masks keeps me alive. 💜

[@jackmckinney7477]

your pain deserves healing, find your medicine. We are with you

[@einnaoeilifu2648]

You’re not alone. I understand how you feel. There’s more people with this disorder. So seek help and guidance. Prayers to you.

[@arkhamknight6371]

OCD is no joke,my brother had it..He would have to do certain things all the time, like it was his daily job,it made him depressed and sluggish

[@AlenS131]

Did he manage to get over it?

[@arkhamknight6371]

@@AlenS131 Kinda,he had to slowly stop doing things as he got older, because it became taxing on his body n daily life in general ...He still does things but it's not as extreme as it use to be...When he found a girl, who's now his wife ,she was able to help him and distract him if u know what I mean lol...Plus he had kids ,my brother finally realized you just gotta go through life without thinking about small things n just enjoy every moment, and not allowing a picture on his dresser being off by an inch to ruin his whole morning and eventually his mood for the rest of the day

[@hiitsaliciaempathylovepeac5262]

Thank you Howie for keeping it real with us. His words are gonna help so many people to not feel alone in this struggle! 👍💚

[@hiitsaliciaempathylovepeac5262]

P. S. Keep fighting & never quit my friend b/c the world is a better place with you in it!💚

[@TheElbowMerchant]

Very well said.

[@m.a.r.t.i.n.]

Howie is brave to share this and it makes a person like me who also have struggled with OCD for many years feel less alone. OCD can be such a debilitating condition but if there is anyone else reading this that currently having a difficult time, please know that there is help to get. Try finding a therapist specialised in OCD and if you can't find anyone close to were you live, online sessions via zoom/skype etc. really helped me. You are not alone and it can get better, there is help to get and you don't have to live your life this way 🙏

[@ash8298]

Howie isn't brave. Howie is his OCD and endless list of problems. He doesn't do the work to get better and instead turns to drugs to get by. He is a weak man.

[@carlosangulo3035]

Howie is weak minded af

[@carlosangulo3035]

@@ash8298i call it being weak not ocd

[@AA-cl2oq]

I’ve nearly cured my OCD with Ketamine Infusion Therapy. If anyone wants anymore info on it, I can tell you everything. It’s been a complete miracle for me and makes it so I can actually live. I’ve been medication free for 4 years.

[@bradyoung6663]

Howie, if you happen to read this, always remember that you have brought and still bring people joy. I hope that can help bring you a grain of peace. Please don't let your "Bad side" win. Like so many others have.

[@RiseUpNowwww]

God bless you all may god treat all your problem who is watching this ❤

[@a_lemonator8642]

I needed to hear this today. Thank you Howie for being so honest and transparent about what you go through on a daily (minute to minute) basis. I deal with the same thing and it seems like I'm always waiting for the end of something and it keeps me in a constant state of worry. Even if it's just sub conscious, i live on the verge of worry and depression at all times. It's nice to know there are others out there (very successful others) who are going through the same type of thing as myself

[@gavins.6109]

The way Howie explained depression and the ways to be distracted from it was so relatable.

[@suryatkurma7466]

Wow he is so candid about his situation. Wish him well.

[@Weirdo77313]

thank you Howie for being so open about your struggles . Its good to know i am not alone

[@TheJuanvegas]

"well you seem happy", "it is unfortunate because you are such a nice guy". Joe always comes from the standpoint of someone who has never experienced, or been closely tied to someone with crippling mental illness- it is so hard to understand. I still don't understand it, but I lived with someone for the majority of my life and have seen the rollercoaster and the fight. It seems Joe and many others like to think that exercise, diet and discipline will cure anything, for some that just isn't true or achievable

[@lalaausten9072]

So true, any time I talk about my anxiety and depression, I prepare for the inevitable 'have you tried meditation?

[@danielroyster6428]

Howie , thanks for sharing in such detail, brother . I'm right there with you, the ability to show so much strength and hold up so well on the outside is so impressive. nothing but love

[@maryhannahsmith9307]

I love when he says people often come up to him and say how they have OCD too because they have to keep things clean and organized and they don’t understand that it’s actually dealing with terrible negative intrusive thoughts. Thanks for accurately describing this, Howie! It’s the worst!

[@sourceawry4035]

Try this when well meaning people say insensitive, ignorant things like that: Smile and nod, and keep it moving. Try it one time and see how much frustration it saves you. I figured it out while pregnant with my first child, and it worked wonders. Cheers!

[@santaclaus3077]

How do you deal with the intrusive thoughts

[@bruhmf8]

​@DM it really just depends on the person. Everyone is unique and different. My ocd mainly mainly came from from lack of self confidence and being self conscious about my appearance, so when I started to work out it's really helped me get a confidence boost and I had an established routine that included me going to the gym. Just getting jnto that head space in the gym of just conctrating on ur workouts and listening to music really helped me out.

[@maryhannahsmith9307]

@@santaclaus3077 lots of distraction. I work out twice a day - both before and after work. Lifting and cardio. I also have to take medication. I really hate meds and big pharma and think a lot of my problems have been caused by medication after prolonged use, but I have tried to go off of them multiple times and failed miserably. Getting plenty of sleep and taking care of my body. I feel like I’m constantly on the edge though, like Howie explained in the video. Like one big gust of wind could completely rock me.

[@santaclaus3077]

@@maryhannahsmith9307 I get intrusive thoughts and sometimes I ruminate over them. Im not diagnosed with anything. It comes and goes it’s not constant. I’ve thought about talking to a therapist.

[@ItalianStallionTV]

ocd is terrible don't wish it on anyone

[@shodanart]

The running is great, Howie! Heart goes out to you!! ❤

[@robmemeoverlord6399]

I don’t know why but describing “looking happy” or “being happy” while in the moment - as a “distraction” - perfectly describes how I felt when I got depressed as a result of my own panic attack disorder (which also involved being obsessed by thoughts, like feeling my heart)

[@benjaminroberts7411]

I can't imagine how much worse Covid felt for someone like Howie. Glad he's able to work through it. Joe - please pass along this deeply needed app Share the Meal that helps kids!!

[@Marie-cq7eq]

Thank you, Howie, for your candour about your mental illness. It helps greatly with the stigma surrounding these illnesses.

[@Teamshmo]

I am always amazed at how far guys like this have gotten in life. I would imagine it was much more difficult than a normal person. When you are at the bottom no one cares what problems you have. Now I am sure they bend over backwards for him, but starting out must have been hell

[@tjk5598]

So glad he’s opened up about his own struggles. Such a good dude. Hope his words help others.

[@Jerbear67]

Your honesty and openness is going to help so many people. Thank you. Wonder if micro dosing could be an option?? 🤔

[@stashmcjammin]

There comes moments when I find something that I needed to hear, this was one of those moments. Thank you Howie, I feel ya.

[@gromzen]

This eerily reminds me of Chester Bennington talking about how dark his head was and the hosts laughing through it as if he’s joking on the radio show. What Howie is saying here about being distracted is very deep and very sad. This man is broken and at the point he understands it and speaks it simply because he is clinging on, yet others who don’t comprehend the feeling miss the point.

[@rocknroller77]

Then Joe spouting krapout his azz instead of listening. Suggestions like he knows. I feel for Howie. I bet he wanted to tell Rogan to STFU

[@Noname30000]

Relate with howie 110% All because we’re functioning around everyone,doesn’t mean we do the same behind closed doors. Metal health is a real thing.

[@chopperchopper1418]

Jamie, bring up that video of Howie being happy 🤣

[@mantid83]

Man, true OCD must be one hell of a ride to live with daily. Stay strong Howie!

[@ceezeer59]

Imagine yourself trapped in a room, and suddenly a monster appears and it’s telling you and forcing you to perform actions/rituals you don’t want to do, and you have to go along with what ever it tells you or else someone you love will die or something horrible will happen to them if you don’t do/perform what ever it’s telling you to do. And this monster reappears every 5 minutes and the cycle continues. That is what living with OCD feels like. Wouldn’t wish this on anyone.

[@humenumene]

@@ceezeer59 As someone with that. Ye shits fcked most of the day I just watch yt gets me distracted from it. But thats the perfect discription to it imma save that so I dont have to explain it to someone

[@programmingchicago]

I feel for you. My nephew has severe OCD as well. It's so hard to watch, plus he has profound autism. Fist bump.

[@HowieMandelBackupAccount]

Thanks ❤❤

[@musicandpoetry_8]

That’s weird! I have both two, must be comorbidity..also bipolar, adhd..I’m a mess! Lol

[@chadsmeaton1223]

Appreciate his candidness on depression. Something that needs to be talked about. Our 15 yr old son took his own life because of his struggles with it.

[@SI10379]

Sorry for your loss. God bless

[@user-cf3so7mi2o]

For someone struggling with pretty severe ocd, i think i get what howie says. But on the bright side i am much better now. But when you're at the bottom of that pit it's a really dark place with seemingly no escape. I wish the best to everyone struggling with it and stay courageous my friends!

[@robertangell8098]

I relate so much with you Howie, I suffer OCD with a fear of uncertainty about the future (someone or something will happen to take what I have away from me). And my bouts are intermittent and change in focus … I love your braveness in speaking on this with Rogan. And Joe, what a gent.

[@christopherboxford9556]

He did a really good job of explaining what real anxiety and depression feel like.

[@tdz69]

Huge respect for how he is making his challenges public. It’s most definitely a help to others who feel they need to live in the shadows.

[@J2TMFA]

Man, I need to talk to people like Mr. Mandel does. The first two minutes of this clip described my life and I am HOLD FAST in my mind every second sometimes and can’t take it😔😥

[@SPHYNX99752]

Scream at the top of your lungs for 5 minutes, the smoke some marijuana 😅 you will wonder wtf you were thinking 🤔😅 and you may feel stupid for dwelling on something you have no control over. 😊

[@NuKim-ld1tw]

my daughter is Autistic just diagnosed with OCD and anxiety. This isn’t something that can be willed away with meditation stretches, breathing and altered state of mind. I understand what Joe is saying, it can help in the moment for some people whose symptoms may not be as extreme. But for someone like Howie it would work momentarily. Obsessive compulsions are completely out of one’s control. Mental illness is a minute by minute struggle that I hope most people never have to experience.

[@James_14_4]

I can't find a source anywhere for any good psychedelics in my area. I suffer some pretty bad depression and ocd and i got a chance to try K and man it was a miracle substance, I felt free, the only high or euphoria was from the relief of my vices being released, that's exactly what it did

[@marywilliams9809]

Magic mushrooms don't only help with mental health, they help amplify your empathy, if people were more empathetic the world would be a better place

[@Kenneth57358]

The psychedelic experience is temporary but many people have permanent results first shrooms trip was really awesome, it felt like i was deep into the sea I would really love to try it again

[@Lisa78843]

/da_sharrif/ Got psychs

[@Stephanie56739]

tripping is not a bad idea but having a Mycologist who will recommend you the dosage is the best option

[@James_14_4]

@@Lisa78843 is he on Ig or what?

[@meila22]

Love love love that he’s vulnerable and honest. So refreshing!

[@UnluckyFatGuy]

The hardest thing for me was that whenever I tried to describe my symptoms to someone they'd look at me like I was crazy. People with OCD aren't, but the disease can sometimes make you feel like you are. It's really isolating and unless you have OCD I don't think you can understand how it feels. When I was at my worst it was hell. I'm mean that literally too. It feels like torture that has no end. The good news is that there are tons of people who want (and can) help. All you need to do is ask. I will be eternally grateful for everyone who helped me and I will try to help those who suffer in return.

[@LeFreeze_]

We stand with you howie ❤️🤟🏼

[@ceezeer59]

Imagine yourself trapped in a room, and suddenly a monster appears and it’s telling you and forcing you to perform actions/rituals you don’t want to do, and you have to go along with what ever it tells you or else someone you love will die or something horrible will happen to them if you don’t do/perform what ever it’s telling you to do. And this monster reappears every 5 minutes and the cycle continues. That is what living with OCD feels like. Wouldn’t wish this on anyone.

[@Fraustyy]

Howie is the man. I hope he continues to keep good people around him and live his life the best he can. Totally awesome guy

[@snicker576]

I have moderate OCD, it drives me crazy. If I don't breathe in a certain pattern and hold my breath in certain intervals all day, it feels like I'm not scratching an unbearable itch. Have other compulsions but that's the one that really gets under my skin

[@blackcraft3465]

Hope you have a great day today!

[@jjfghjpnwf5119]

That doesnt sound moderate...LOL... I hope you'll manage it well.

[@snicker576]

@@blackcraft3465 Thank you, you have a good day as well!

[@blankface4017]

Naw i thought i had autism good thing ik its ocd 😂or….😪

[@Hhe448]

I had the same exact issues as a kid. I also walked a certain way and only stepped in a specific colored square in the school hallways. If I missed it at all I’d plant both feet together and start over. Tbh I have no idea how I stopped all those odd habits.

[@NedDenver]

Respect to Howie for being vocal about this. @howiemandell if you ever see this, or anyone else that is consistently teetering over the edge of that cliff, keep yourself incredibly hydrated and your gut microbiome in great shape and you should start to see improvements! I've been able to live just outside the veil of that darkness for a good portion of my life thanks to those two tips. Stay positive, the light is right around the corner!

[@jopo7996]

Howie is one lost medication away from becoming a comic book villain.

[@millennial_falcon2240]

He looks the part too

[@Orca472]

I had a brother who had all sorts of problems, he was originally diagnosed with bpd, but a week before he had taken his own life he put himself into an institution where they did tests and he took an ocd test in which he scored a 39, just one point off of the max, so I think that joe fails to understand that when someone is so unwell, no amount of medication or meditation or help can make someone truly happy, intrusive tboughts will get the best of most people at this level and this leads to the compulsivity, and very stupid choices. Ocd isn’t always about cleanliness, but it can be much more, which people fail to see in howies case.

[@oscarslater6123]

I got OCD, it’s a nightmare. He’s right about when you’re on your own at night time. It can make your thoughts spiral into a pit of self hatred. props to him for talking about it

[@h7pubg]

being on your own is an important aspect of ocd however, the tried and true method of living with ocd is exposure response prevention, and a common compulsion is when people give their fears power by seeking reassurance from other people. you need to allow the worst fears to exist without giving them power, trying to fight them or figure it out, it gets better, then the less bad ones become easier, it will always come back time and time again, but at a much lesser level or for not as long when you have the ability to recognize it for what it is and allow the discomfort until your brain gets bored of “giving you a problem to solve”. it’s not too late to change your situation, it may take a while but you can become much better at living with it without it spiraling or being a daily drain

[@oscarslater6123]

@@h7pubg appreciate that mate. I had CBT a year ago and got a lot better, then ran out of free sessions and got worse. Thank you for the helpful message lad

[@SatyaKaliYam]

I am a healer. I used to have OCD tendencies but not to the extreme of it being debilitating. Going to India really broke it down and learning meditation, energy healing, and yoga along with my MSW, really brought it to full circle of the patterns we continue to hold onto due to our past traumas. If one can learn how to be and practice present awareness, like how Eckart Tollé’s book “The Power of Now,” you have to recognize the negative critic within your mind and live in the NOW. Also doing Vipassana meditation (which is silent meditation with breath awareness) is probably the best way to Let Go all of your poo 💩 and just Do the dew called LIFE. Accept yourself as what you are now and things will change and manifest as you are. 🙏❤️💯☮️☯️💟☸️🕉️🧘🏻‍♀️🕳️🪬😎😇

[@Battlefox64_RL]

You are mentally ill. Full stop. No amount of homeopathic/ mystic BULL**** will replace medication from a Dr or therapy from a licensed therapist. Good luck in your fight.

[@WaKeUpTIs]

You’re likely not a healer and it’s cringe to proclaim to be one but god bless glad you feel better

[@D.Boon1]

I have OCD and that book is dog shit . Gives no tips on how to battle a very real illness. Some books I’d recommend are Brain lock and you are not a rock

[@jimhoolagan9449]

I commend you howie for opening up like that and being honest you have no idea how many lives you impact by doing that, simply relating to someone’s experiences allows them the piece of mind that they are not alone. It breaks my heart knowing this up hill battle you have been facing for your whole life and can only imagine the love for your family and friends and the courage you must have to fight that losing fight. I pray you find peace

[@ForSeraph]

Dear Howie, I also have OCD, childhood onset. I send you such love. Thank you for your courage in sharing your experience. Please know that many see you as a leader and need you to keep fighting. Your life has great meaning and some hold on because they see that you have held on and gotten help. You give them hope of surviving and being a success despite the condition. When the thoughts get extra intense, please remember how important you are. You are needed. Please don’t ever give up. You are loved.

[@koolerpure]

I know exactly what howie felt as he explained that. I found my way out of that darkness and I know howie can too when he finds what works for him, meditation/weed/music and isolation helped me

[@SPHYNX99752]

Weed, video games, and spending time with my kids and grandkids. Helps pull me out of a funk... Otherwise I'm face down in a pillow until I don't have the urge to go fast and risk it all...

[@toddatkin5288]

Joe, Joe, Joe..... Your interviews are always fascinating. Great questions, and awesome at steering the interview....just great.

[@InfinitelyQurious]

A lot of people commenting here don't realize that Howie Mandel has been talking about OCD and his struggles with mental illness since the 1980s. It's a miracle that he's alive. His strength, focus, and dedication to not letting this mental illness get him, is extremely admiral and impressive.

[@vandal1764]

If you came here looking for hair you're in the wrong place

[@rawburtmartinez]

Stop 😭😭😭

[@ccampb83]

There is going to many eyeballs on this video and I hope Howie might see this. I had severe OCD for 16 years and it was a terrible struggle the most horrific of my life no doubt. I got the nerve to take a full dose of psilocybin mushrooms approx 3 grams and went through the whole thing with the hallucinations and the vivid color patterns it lasted about 6 hours. Only a few days went by and I noticed my OCD was completely gone. It is not the hallucinations and all that cures it but somehow the drug repairs your brain by connecting all these neuro pathways. Joe may have just scared so many people off from doing this from how uninformed he is. Talking about holotropic breathwork how on earth is that going to help OCD. I am very passionate about this, OCD is an absolute life destroyer it will destroy everything that is good in your life and will not stop until it destroys you. My OCD is gone and has not come back. I have done shrooms 3 times in total because I wanted to just as a disclaimer I am just one person. Many peoples OCD has been helped by shrooms.

[@MortiisSB]

I have completely debilitating ocd, I can't even do simple actions without severe stress, I wouldn't even know where to start with getting mushrooms though

[@darksu6947]

​@@MortiisSB This is a terrible idea. You don't just go out and start doing mushrooms when you have OCD. That's a good way to end up more messed up than you are now. I have no idea where you would go to get guidance on this sort of thing, but the interwebz could probably point you in the right direction. I am an expert in self-destructive behaviors and going out on your own and doing a heroic dose by yourself is not the way Kemosabe.

[@hx7193]

OCD can be so tiring and so many think just snap out of it .

[@goobermcgoober]

Howie. Speak these words. "I am now choosing to cleanse myself, and release myself, from any and all, Thought forms, beings, and situations, that are no longer of service to my highest and greatest good. Across all planes of my existence, Across all universes, and across all lifetimes. I am now asking that all energies less then love be transmuted for the highest good of all. And so it be. " repeat daily.

[@leeboslounge1690]

I have this myself its horrible I take 90mg mirtazipine 50mg of diazepam weed 5grams per day, phone therapy for 5 hours per week its a very debilitating illness and can go so dark so quickly, my work helps me daily I do a lot of overtime which I love keeps my brain active, thank you howie for sharing your story! 🤝💙

[@officialspaceefrain]

I’m going to take a look at phone therapy. I need to talk to someone. Stay strong.

[@leeboslounge1690]

@@officialspaceefrain face to face therapy definitely helps better but here in Scotland we are still under covid conditions so everything is over the phone for now but talking helps man even if its a family member a friend anyone 💙🤝

[@deluminous2662]

Gee 50mg of diazepam a day, good luck with that lol. Youll become dependant on that and OCD will be the lesser of your issues.

[@leeboslounge1690]

@@deluminous2662 honestly that ain’t that bad a dosage thats in a 24 hour period also aids my depression

[@deluminous2662]

@@leeboslounge1690 You get a tolerance to it. That's the problem with benzos and 50 mg is not a light dosage, you will get withdrawal. It's not something to be on for a long period of time, it's pretty heavily regulated here in AUS for a lot of reasons. The problem is these drugs don't cure it, they work for a while until they don't.

[@OHeBigMad]

Hearing Howie speak is so relatable and it gives me hope for myself. i'm not diagnosed OCD but i am ADD/ADHD and ODD and learning about what ADHD actually is helps me understand my own mind. ADHD is basically a lack of dopamine in the brain. Your brain burns through your dopamine too fast and that's why ADHD people are often fidgety or spacey. We just get bored too fast.

[@MyFatherIsTryingToKillMe]

I have extreme OCD & anxiety & depression that I haven't left my room since 2018 I'm losing my mind 😭

[@taylormoore9737]

Praying for you!

[@mikeyRavens52]

"You're happy right now?" "...I'm distracted." I felt that in my soul.

[@mcspan4238]

As someone who has dealt with OCD and somatic OCD for a large portion of my life, hearing you Howie, deal with the same issues, not being able to be alone with your own thoughts, for the fear of all the darkness it holds. It’s refreshing hearing you. Just before listening to this clip, I had a mental breakdown. But you’ve made me feel less alone. Thanks Howie

[@justbrahma3748]

Thanks for sharing this ❤. I had puré o ocd and miraculously I have recovered it and I am symptom free for 4 years now. So please never give up. 🎉🎉

[@joshuad1716]

Man it’s been a while since we got some JRE clips, glad to see they’re back

[@ScottLHarris]

I never thought that I would in a million years agree or associate with Howie Mandel...and now...well---brother Mandel thank you for your honesty and I feel you bro:)

[@joshuad1716]

It’s always interesting to see people that have been so successful and are generally so well received speak about mental health issues like this…while it’s not my place to know any of this stuff, I genuinely wonder what could ale these people to the point of self deletion after all they’ve achieved?

[@clinch4402]

I think perhaps you hold achievement in too high a regard, it really doesn't matter that much to many people in the grand scheme of things. Or perhaps you're very mentally secure and find it hard to relate, which is what I'd hope for!

[@Bucephalus84]

Most people in Hollywood have been exploited, molested, manipulated in various ways just to get there. Ever heard the expression; "they sold their soul"? These psychiatric issues are brought on by trauma.

[@johngoldsworthy7135]

Imagine your head fixating on a negative memory, thought, or trauma 24/7 without relief. It fucks with your head.

[@postskeetclarity]

His ailments are why he can achieve.

[@SPHYNX99752]

Serotonin is imbalanced, the body is out of homeostasis, emotions are raw, PTSD can elicit dark thoughts and flood a person with an intense emotional response where it seems only death will make it go away.. 😢

[@RudeBoySka216]

Gotta enjoy the moment Howie, it’s not about the past or the future which can lead to constant worrying, it’s about the here & now. You’re in a good place in life that millions of people in the world would die to be in, we all got problems & demons to face; we’re all our own worst enemy. Let humility take over your life, and wash away all the nonsense bullshit, insecurity and worries that can so easy take over our minds. It’s about the here and now. Mindfulness, Humility & Love will lead to peace of mind.

[@LongGone77]

Have had severe OCD that started developing at its worse when I was 16. I'm 39 now. It has never gone away for a single second since I was that age. What he said about people saying "I'm so OCD"; it's not something I get offended by, but you DO want to just yell "that's not OCD! That's being an anal rententive asshole!" I can't believe how much I relate to this. I run for the same reason. and I don't listen to music while running either. It's the only time I can really fall into my own thoughts without feeling like my thoughts are going to destroy something or someone I love. Unfortunately, that and my medication has been alcohol for a very long time. But oddly enough, my OCD only allows me to drink alcohol on the weekends. So I do my rituals, irrational patterns and other number-related things, then I numb the worry with alcohol on the weekends. Then repeat the pattern. Another thing that helps: my wife also has severe OCD: through a given day, we each need to ask one another "is everything ok?" close to about 50 times a day. The other responds with "everything's fine" and we can go about our business without being trapped in the pattern of fear. The inevitable feeling of terror and worrying that a wrong action or thought will result in something bad happening never goes away unless I have a drink in me on the weekends. And he's right about being distracted too. You never really feel free with OCD. You're always afraid, can't stop thinking about something bad eventually happening, then blaming yourself for that bad thing happening (maybe you clicked the light off wrong, or blinked too many times, or didn't swallow enough times, etc. So you need distractions.

[@LongGone77]

@ViliSuutarinen I want to say ' thanks for responding' , but man.... i can't imagine what you're dealing with. so i'll just say 'KUDOS!" haha. cheers .

[@maltagirl11]

I admire him so much for being open about his OCD, that way those who are around him know what their boundaries are. Suffering from OCD myself I try to find all kinds of excuses for behaving in a way or for refusing to do something, I find it difficult to admit to others that I have OCD. There are those who cannot understand why for example you cannot sit on a public bench, you cannot use a public bathroom etc. They think you are too fussy and they cannot understand what goes into your head if you do them. I have been on medication for a good number of years, I did get better by time but there's still a lot to work on.

[@benjamindavidson632]

I didn't know Howie struggled this way. I wish to be free as well. Not sure what it takes and have considered psychedelics as well but just the thought of the potential bad keeps me from them. I focus on the good but the bad is the main focus, and I'm a good person with an bad affliction. No mess for me nor will I ever. I relax with some beer and sometimes whiskey. When I relax hahaha. I wonder if he had this problem before Hollywood. Haven't seen the whole podcast yet.

[@HAHAd2]

Keep your genes out of the pool, thanks 😊

[@VentureTheUnknown1]

What a great episode, I am gonna have to research that type of meditation .

[@ethanwilliam9944]

Howie was once the hottest comic around and it's nice to see Joe give him the respect he deserves. His 80s hbo stand up made him the talk of the town. He even had a Saturday morning cartoon. To see him open up and honestly and humbly discuss his mental health problems is admirable and encouraging.

[@FrydCabbage]

Holy crap. Howie just explained exactly how I feel all the time. 😢

[@avengence]

I know how he feels. I used to have such bad OCD and anxiety. I had intrusive thoughts, rituals and anxiety that would make it so I couldn't leave my house for a year. I slowly but surely got out of it with medication, self reflection and God. I know some people will roll their eyes at the God part but I believe that is the biggest thing to get over the anxiety which triggers my OCD. It was a horrible time in my life and now I am much happier and enjoy quiet time. I used to not be able to have quiet time because like Howie said, I would go off in to the dark place. It is crazy to think about it now, but I finally got out of it and I am very happy. I still struggle with worry and being scared of getting in trouble over dumb things but everything is much better!

[@psycold]

Bobby's World was such a big part of my childhood. I had just moved to the USA from Africa when I was 8 years old and I related to it so much.

[@ThinkPositiveDude]

I don't wish this illness on my worst enemy, every minute awake your mind convince you you're a terrible person with a terrible illness. I FUCKING HATE IT

[@nightcore1998]

The most happiest,joyful,kindest,positive people need the biggest hugs

[@fearthehoneybadger]

Howie looks like the world's funniest biker.

[@ceezeer59]

Imagine yourself trapped in a room, and suddenly a monster appears and it’s telling you and forcing you to perform actions/rituals you don’t want to do, and you have to go along with what ever it tells you or else someone you love will die or something horrible will happen if you don’t do/perform what ever it’s telling you to do. And this monster reappears every 5 minutes and the cycle continues. That is what living with OCD feels like. Wouldn’t wish this on anyone.

[@pk7750]

Howie, was smart enough to own his own issues and life. Comedians probably have it the hardest in life as far as happiness goes. They are self designed to make others laugh, but at what cost is usually their own happiness.

[@Mike99Buckle]

That "I'm distracted" from the anxiety/depression describes the feeling so well.