Howie Mandel on Battling Severe Anxiety and OCD: “I’m Living in a Nightmare” | PEOPLE

In this exclusive interview with Howie Mandel and Jackie Shultz, the father-daughter duo open up about their new comedy podcast, Howie Mandel Does Stuff, their ongoing struggles with mental health, and the night that changed Howie’s life forever.
Subscribe to People ►► bit.ly/Subscrib...
#HowieMandel #JackieShultz #PEOPLE #HowieMandelDoesStuff
Catch up on the latest celebrity news, top stories and more:
• Pippa Middleton Welcom...
PEOPLE goes behind-the-scenes with our cover stars for exclusive stories and in-depth interviews:
• Michelle Obama on Love...
PEOPLE goes in-depth with your favorite stars and celebrities to bring you exclusive stories and features:
• Meet 3 Doctors Who Are...
Go inside the homes of your favorite celebrities with exclusive house tours: • NCIS’s Sean Murray Ope...
Get exclusive access into the biggest celebrity weddings. From the dresses and rings to dances and surprises, PEOPLE covers it all: • Inside Real Housewife ...
Watch as your favorite couples reveal the secrets to love and happiness in celebrity love stories:
• Ted Danson and Mary St...
Stay up to date with The Royal Family: • Prince William Respond...
Watch kids interview your favorite celebrities with the most adorable questions you'll ever hear:
• Jimmy Fallon Answers K...
ABOUT PEOPLE
PEOPLE remains the trusted authority at the center of pop culture. The PEOPLE brand features a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time.
CONNECT WITH PEOPLE
Web: people.com
Twitter: / people
Facebook: / peoplemag
Instagram: / people
Howie Mandel on Battling Severe Anxiety and OCD: “I’m Living in a Nightmare” | PEOPLE
/ people

[@laurenhuntsinger9170]

Howie and his daughter have absolutely NO IDEA how helpful speaking so honestly is, for people like me. Mine is not OCD, it is C-PTSD. Thank all of you for this video. You have no idea how freeing this is to and for me.

[@nancyayotte2297]

Me too. Severe depression. We need to talk about mental illness please. The stigma is still there.

[@SoulBayBay_Crystal.C]

Me to and severe depression and anxiety disorder

[@oreoreo1534]

@@nancyayotte2297 yes YOU need to talk about it. Seek help. You can be the support to others that you found

[@oreoreo1534]

They made this video and a podcast because they DO know how helpful it is? 🤔

[@LivingMyBestLifeIAm]

C-PTSD also coupled with severe anxiety, crippling depression. Hugs to all who suffer silently. We need to support each other.

[@anar1104]

I love when famous people talk about mental health, they have no idea how much this can help someone.

[@handoromper7987]

The first time I have ever heard a genuine explanation from someone that truly has OCD. No one can talk about OCD unless you have true OCD which destroys your life.

[@blondie3743]

True, no one really can explain it better than someone with OCD.

[@lindabartlett3918]

To have someone else understand what I am going through...big sigh...it's huge. I wish you well along with all of us struggling with this.

[@brokengirl8619]

I have suffered from SEVERE OCD my entire life. I have had panic attacks, Complex PTSD, severe anxiety and major depression. I mean, I would wash hands till they burned, do endless rituals till I got sick, urinate in cups, absurd things. Became suicidal. But I do my best to help myself everyday, I overcame alot. Let me tell you at some point, it takes a realization that life is so short and if you do not enjoy it and your loved ones, you will regret it and that regret is worse than germs. My father died and I regret so much, the sorrow is so great, and I cannot ALLOW OCD to take away from me the joy of my husband and family anymore. And by Gods power and my renewing my mind, I'm overcoming. We have more power than we think we do over ocd. Don't be a victum.

[@missmosvegankitchen8238]

I've always loved that Howie was public about his struggles. My family has a history of mental health struggles so it's kinda nice to have a celebrity share theirs to help break the stigma attached.

[@bernicesisneros8166]

Yes life is like a hike,lots of high and lows,and we just learn to cope🌻💐🌼💓❤️

[@sallykoch3526]

I hike and I have always compared my journey to hiking

[@2legit2quit4u]

You are my hero. I suffer from severe anxiety. I am 65 and still struggle. We learn to cope.

[@meirben-nun740]

what kind of medications do you use?

[@elizabethsaliba8077]

Ocd is a very mean affliction. My 24 yr old son diagnosed at age 7. It is horrifying to watch and you feel hopeless because you cannot really help. People that say ' im a little ocd' have NO clue. Howie and daughter are doing a great service for society.

[@angelaphipps6463]

Thank you Howie & Jackie for bring Mental Health issues out to the Public. I don't feel so alone. I have Anxiety & Depression issues..as well as learning issues. But I have a very supportive family

[@jeefberky9101]

It's so nice seeing someone so successful be this open about mental health. It's not too uncommon to see popular or wealthy people mention it, but it's seldom anything this in-depth and earnest

[@1wookieman]

I have been a fan of Howie for so many years. I love that man. He is adorable and funny. His daughter is beautiful.

[@howiemandel8143]

Thank you

[@1wookieman]

@@howiemandel8143 GAFAH!!!!!!!! I don know if I spelled it right.

[@howiemandel8143]

@@1wookieman Thanks for all your support,are you WhatsApp?please you can kindly drop your number here.

[@mushky3940]

"They as a comedian if you can make one person laugh, you are doing your job. What people don't realize, the person I'm trying to make laugh, is me" Oh Howie thanks for being so relatable.

[@sandracrosbyguerrero448]

I never thought he had the same issues as I have in my life.Alot is from traumatic events from the past.Anxiety is a tough problem,panic attacks are rough.

[@Stefanie2530]

Its good to know others are out there experiencing this and I'm not alone. Severe anxiety + OCD is exhausting, frustrating, can and DOES affect my life on a daily basis in a negative way. It has cost me friends and family. It helps just knowing others out there understand how horrible this can be. Be well, everyone.

[@cklindo4646]

I understand all too well how you feel. My own mother curses me about what she calls, "my sickness."

[@kristenmitch6965]

@@cklindo4646 my family is so mean too most days i am called mental and such and not normal its unkind and i want to break away so much i was writing this lady at the top of the comments but i found ifs internal family systems i think it is plural the systems but just maybe not but it is about all our internal parts our system of them not actually a family i am still trying to read no bad parts the book by richard schwartz wish you all blessings of any kind

[@stevenkovler5133]

There are days I am immobilized and I can’t get out of bed ..

[@catherinebateman6179]

I have had agoraphobia since a teenager panic attacks and depression plus lots of other stuff. Trapped in a prison cell of my own mind .. I would not wish this on my worst enemy! Not many know my illness I am a great actress. It’s amazing how I have lied all my life to hide my mental health issues. My kids don’t even really understand the suffering I have daily. I have tried hard to look in control. Protecting my family. They all have anxiety issues though I swear it’s genetic. My life is a roller coaster.

[@janetpatience3899]

I understand 100% of what you wrote. I’m also a great actress.

[@lilianwal2385]

I always say, I'm a great pretender. And of all the hell I have been through in my life for me the worst was when I saw I have passed on to my daughter

[@wot4me2]

Sadly, if you have a close relative with anxiety you're 2 to 6 times more likely to develop it. Environmental influences can play a part, too.

[@raylenenielsen5943]

It’s definitely genetic. Anxiety and depression are common on my fathers side of the family.

[@plan4life]

How would you describe agoraphobia? I don’t go outside except with my husband, but it’s mainly to do with my fear of insects and a social phobia. But I am not sure whether it’s actual agoraphobia.

[@amyshomesteadanimals]

My daughter has OCD and social anxiety disorder. She is only 12 and it is so hard to witness her suffering! We have sought out professional help and she is doing so much better now. I am so grateful to the people that our youth look up to, who share the same struggles.

[@gypsyrubbertramps3487]

Yes I agree mental health should be treated like getting a yearly physical. So beneficial in keeping check on our coping skills or any kind of anxiety that hits us.

[@StrangeMisery]

Of many conditions I have, I have OCD and it's a monster. I feel like it's controlling my life. Thank you for speaking out Howie

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

It's amazing Howie has been so successful in his career, with his severe OCD and anxiety. Glad he's being so open about it - and his daughter too. I have GAD and sometimes get severe anxiety. I don't have OCD, but I can definitely understand the intrusive thoughts and getting stuck in a loop (so maybe I do?). I hope Howie and his daughter have tried meditation - it helps me, but I still have days of struggle. I completely get what they are going through. All the best to them and everyone who suffers from mental health issues. ❤️

[@cerealis_5432]

Can you explain what having gad is like and what symptoms got you a diagnosis? Also how it differs from ocd? I’ve been going to therapy but my symptoms are associated with both ocd and gad.

[@mayramedina8535]

@@cerealis_5432 GAD is having persistent anxiety about everyday things. Maybe you are very anxious and experiencing anxiety attacks about school, work, or just thinking about the future. Usually with GAD there are not compulsions or reassurance seeking. OCD is intrusive thoughts, normally with themes and triggers, and this feeling of anxiety or over whelming fear about those intrusive thoughts, that lead to compulsions to give you a false sense of control and safety. Maybe you're getting intrusive thoughts about how you might accidentally burn down the house. So you have to check if you turned off the gas stove. It impacts your life to the point where you might need to check more than once. You left you house? But what if you turned the stove on before you left? I know you just confirmed the stove was off 5 times already, but what if you forgot? Now you find yourself driving back home to make sure again the stove isn't on. And then the cycle continues. if someone were to stop you from going and completing your compulsion of checking if the stove is off, the fear is so strong that it could induce extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I was first diagnosed with GAD, but therapy never helped. I was finally diagnosed with OCD and thats when the ball was able to get moving.

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

@@cerealis_5432 Sorry I didn't see this until now. It's basically like having low to mid-level anxiety all the time. I don't think it is typically associated with panic attacks - but I have had them. Sometimes I will have something that I know is a trigger, other times the anxiety is just "there" and I don't even know why I'm feeling anxious (except that of course, something bad could happen at any time! Kidding, but sort of not.). I'm no expert on OCD (and don't really think I have it, but I have OCD tendencies - like "checking"). A few things I know about OCD is "checking" behavior. Like checking over and over again that you locked the front door or turned the stove off or whatever (like at least ten times - sometimes people get stuck in checking behavior for hours!). Also people with OCD tend to have their behaviors that help them cope with their anxiety that is really over the top - like obsessive cleaning (for hours and hour and hours) or other behaviors that they feel they must do to keep themselves or someone they love safe. Like one girl had to do her makeup and hair and everything in a certain order (and perfection), or she was sure her mom would die. Of course there is obsessive thinking and other symptoms. But again, I am no expert on OCD.

[@crybaby3710]

@@mayramedina8535 wait what is GAD? is it diff from just generalized anxiety disorder

[@anitaholmes9476]

My husband and daughter both have OCD and bad anxiety! It is so difficult for them both and I feel so awful for them! It annoys me so much when people say they are very OCD about something when they just like a clean house or something! Watching your husband and young daughter that can't even walk through a door without having a compulsion to do something over and over again until their brain says they have done it enough or if they don't do something then something bad is going to happen is so heart breaking!!!

[@kathrynstewart5863]

What a tough way to live. Hats off to the millions of people suffering with this. Such an unfair trick of the brain. Sending good vibes to you both!

[@SoulBayBay_Crystal.C]

I absolutely love and respect Howie and his daughter for sharing their true story!!

[@howiemandel8143]

Thank you

[@elainesamman6949]

Loved watching you and your daughter. I have had ocd for as long as I can remember. My ocd is more like "if you don't do this, something will happen." As a child it was very hard for me, having to touch things twice, kicking a rock out of line while walking home from school and fighting with my self to go back and put it in the right place again. Lights on and off, shutting the car door twice, oh I can go on and on! There were many times that I ignored my feelings and something bad would happen so you can imagine what it did to a young girl like me. My first change was that I started to tell my friends and make a joke out of it. If I was careful not to overpower the moment it seemed to work. Do it and be done with it rather then try to do it by hiding it. I remember one day, (when I thought I was finally in control) I was walking to a store when a man stopped me and said, "oh my gosh, I haven't seen that in years." I asked him what he meant and he told me "don't walk on the cracks or you will break your mother's back." Humiliation at its best and I knew I had to do something about this thing running my life. Nothing really helped until years later, marriage (being in love) and picking up my true passion which is animal rescue. I started a non profit animal rescue called Animal Life Savers Inc. Palisades Park NJ and for the past 22 years I have put my heart and soul into the cause. I started to realize that I have no time to involve all my craziness into my daily chores. My organization has consumed my life and I loved every minute of saving close to 15,000 cats and dogs and putting them into loving homes. This pandemic has set me back because the lack of funding and I find myself secretly adding my ocd back in my life. Your video inspired me and I am going to do my best to keep going because I CAN DO THIS! The animals need me!! This long comment that I wrote, helped also!! Always loved you Howie!!

[@themrs.howell]

“Life is like a hike.” Absolutely 💯 Thank you, Howie and Jackelyn for your candor with this sensitive subject. We can all learn something from this whether we’re afflicted or not. I am afflicted, too but it’s getting better. Look forward to listening to your podcast. Blessings to you both 🙏🏻

[@alexjames4786]

How are you

[@howiemandel8143]

Thank you

[@alexjames4786]

How are you doing today?

[@AmidstTheChaos]

For someone who is as broken as he says he is, he sure has such a beautiful and authentic way of expressing his journey. Thank you Howie for being so open and honest with your struggles - it helps people like myself more than you'll know!

[@jacquiheinrich6822]

I wish I had a loving supportive family. Since I was diagnosed with c.PTSD & bipolar disorder 1, my family ( siblings ) slowly pulled away from me. Which made me feel completely abandoned. I now have a great therapist who has being helping me learn & manage my illness for 9yrs. I’m doing very well,as for my family, I’ve realised that I can’t change the way they feel. But I can do something about the way I feel. I miss my family & I don’t resent them,or wish ill will against them,I still love them and even know they don’t know this, but I forgive them . I’m happy with my life and being different is good. Now I embrace my illness and embrace my strength to win every day .

[@lindabartlett3918]

2\28\2023, I am just finding this video. For the first time in over 30 years I do not feel alone. Thank you, both, for this heartfelt testimony.

[@s.p.baughman7885]

I never used to be an anxious and depressed person but a lot has happened to me in this life and I have to fight it now ,really fight it ..''I try to Anchor myself' love that line..God has and is my anchor...yes I understand that depression..sometimes I go into a store and just want to run right back out..

[@laurenconconi6081]

THANK YOU. You have no idea how comforting this is to people who struggle with this daily.

[@justylex]

Both of my young adult children have diagnosed OCD and anxiety. It is such an incredibly misunderstood disorder, and much more complex than being a ‘clean freak’ or ‘perfectionist’. When my youngest first developed intrusive thoughts, it was so stressful and upsetting for her that she had a nervous breakdown and had to be hospitalized.

[@nealmccoy5727]

How’s she doing now? I was also hospitalized but ERP and ACT have saved my life. These therapies work and I can attest to that !

[@justylex]

@@nealmccoy5727 she is doing much better! Because we already had a child with diagnosed OCD, we were able to identify what was going on, and start getting her the help she needed very quickly. A combination of exposure therapy, meditation, and Prozac has calmed it down significantly.

[@fredclives1276]

I suffer from autism, adhd, Dyslexia, anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress. Thank you Howie for going public your a real inspiration. We are not alone. We both have lots of trouble. I hate feeling depressed it is scary.

[@Tennessee1981]

My OCD which I have suffered with for my whole life are in mental rituals and thoughts as well physical rituals. OCD is not all bundled under one bubble and in one form, it's way broader than that, just like with my situation. I'm currently dealing with it, doing well with cognitive therapy and it's great. It's so important not to let some mental disease hold you back from your true potential. I relate too well, but it gets better! 💯💯💯💯💯

[@leeannvan1422]

My OCD started in my early 20's (as well as anxiety). I'm the same way, once a thought starts its hard to stop. I also have been having severe anxiety for the past month

[@kimiaautumn3581]

Thank you for sharing Howie, It's such a relief to see that I am not alone, and I hope that you too know that you never walk alone. I'm beginning to see more and more why you support and respect BTS as much as you do. You guys are so brave and very strong. Once again, thank you for this.

[@howiemandel8143]

Thanks

[@Mac10001]

Coming from a man who suffers with pure O everyday I can relate to all of this, horrendous living with it but got to keep moving forward as best as we can. If anyone needs to chat I’m here for you. Take care x

[@nativeamericanfeather9948]

Watching this through tears. I am sick of the routines over & over:/ I can't just simply walk into a room without a 3 step routine..even in my own home. Sick of everything I do has to be a certain way😔 I've loved Howie for years♡ He made me laugh through many hard times. Blessings to him & his daughter♡

[@Lolalee87]

I understand what you're going through, Im sick of it all too... the routines, the checking over & over & also having to do everything a certain way. Its so exhausting. Most days I dont even want to get out of bed 😔.

[@mystrength5640]

Oh Howie, You have always been a Delight. Never ever beat yourself up.. You are The Best… Always get help !! Bless you Howie!

[@carmengomez-munoz4723]

having mental health as part of a curriculum, what a wonderful idea !!!! I don't know of anyone that has not struggled especially during this pandemic!!! It's been tough and having someone reliable to talk to is a lifesaver!!!

[@terrinew9474]

Thank you so much for sharing Howie and Jackqulyn. My mana suffered from depression it was sad watching her growing up.

[@marion3386]

What a beautiful Father and Daughter! 💕🥰

[@howiemandel8143]

Thank you

[@willowway42]

Thank you so much. When Howe said he can't remember a 24 hour period on reflection, where there wasn't some struggle? This ♡

[@cooksmary]

Oh, I live with this too. By the way, Howie's open attitude about the OCD makes him so endearing to us. We love you Howie.

[@rockerdad2]

So great that Howie did and shed some light. This helps so many people, a great person indeed!!!

[@kb8990]

I have always been grateful for Howie Mandel talking about the OCD. It is such a painfully stigmatized condition.

[@millyday]

What keeps me humble is knowing I'm made from elements of this earth and everything here is recyclable including myself and all the germs necessary. The control addiction from trauma for me is that I've lost my place! Good luck in getting a healthy balanced view!

[@sunnydaylady54]

You explained it wonderfully. "A thought you can't get out of your head". I consider myself mild but perhaps I've just learned to cope. Perhaps I've just learned to hide it. Some see it and call me on it. I'm more surprised on how many don't see what I do even thought it's right in front of them. I'm okay and I'll be alright. I've learned I can deal with the challenges and everything else that life brings on!!! I am resilient!

[@howiemandel8143]

Thank you

[@ElizabethDohertyThomas]

I really appreciate a super busy super-celeb figure talking about the intimacy of what goes on in his head. I think it's easy-ish to be like yeah, mental health problems suck, but to see someone go off into scary situations all the time, situations he can't control, endless germy people and scenarios. That is amazing. It shows the power of the human spirit but also his drive to keep those voices at bay by staying busy.

[@lorrainecowles9640]

Amazing guys. Howie you should be proud of yourself. I can see you have improve over the years! You should be proud of yourself.

[@alexjames4786]

How are you

[@robertgreen6746]

Hi Lorraine

[@crystalortega2156]

Most definitely he has

[@peggybachler5952]

I still remember my husband and I took our daughter and her friend to Howie's concert at the AZ fair when they were in the 8th grade. It was my daughters birthday and she was so excited, as Howie was her favorite comedian. After his concert was done, we were walking down an area, I look over and there Howie was. He saw that we were staring at him, my daughters friend went over to him and he was so rude to her and could have cared less that he broke a young girls heart, for not even waving at her. It really ticked me off, he almost got cursed out. It was a few days later we saw an article about his OCD and stress issues and I then understood why he didn't come over to us. He couldn't, out of fear. I am so glad that I didn't go over to him. I'm glad he's come out and clued us all into his issues, as we all have issues of some sort.

[@alexjames4786]

Hello

[@howiemandel8143]

I guess it been a long time

[@roseinwinter1]

I can relate to you. I have suffered with depression and anxiety pretty much since the 70’s. And insomnia for about 10 years. Anything out of my comfort zone terrifies me. Listening to you both brings some comfort. I get tired of just existing. I want to be happy again.

[@irishboymalloy]

While i have not been diagnosed with OCD i have been struggling hard with mental health issues and thais was a huge help

[@Chippy88]

Ty for sharing your struggles with OCD. People have to understand that mental diseases are just like any physical disease. U just can’t see it. I’m 52 and I suffered from this horrific ocd since I was a young kid. It can be a living nightmare. It takes years away from your life.

[@debrawronker4932]

WOW. Howey you & your daughter opening up has really helped & everyone else that has ADHD , OCD IN CLEANING depression and bipolar. Even though with all that I still made it to USC on a nursing scholarship.

[@dksparky6160]

Thanks t Howie and his Daughter for sharing great info. I was diagnosed OCD in 1997 and of course just trying to stay caught up on Meds and C. Skills and Life. LATELY IT SEEMS HARDER. My heart goes out to anyone diagnosed with OCD, Hang in there everyone. Saying prayers......:)

[@nancytrautman9155]

You’re both heroes for being so open about your mental health issues. Public education is the number 1 method for reducing stigma. My family doesn’t completely understand, and that’s because I have lived so far away for so long. Thank you both for this.

[@bluefan651]

What a great stage of this ever changing planet, which we are moving through right now! So much love and props to Mr. Mandell and his family for allowing us to look intimately into their lives to allow us permission to ASK for help when we need it. And we ALL need some help in some way at some time. Thank you for sharing.

[@taramatheis1451]

What a lovely relationship he has with his daughter!

[@fridajohansson8479]

Thank you! Very important that OCD isnt only about germs and order. It can about anything, even murder (harm thoughts)

[@Chippy88]

So true! I have true OCD just like you! I hate it when people think they have it and I wanted to say oh my God if you only knew. Thank you so much.

[@Lula_F]

Howie, have loved you for years. This interview was powerful for me. I have two adult children who suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Bringing your message to the public to help remove the stigma on mental health illnesses is magnificent! So vitally important for everyone to talk about in a positive manner. Coping mechanisms, therapy, medication, ....Keep getting the message out. And to do this with your daughter !!! What love and commitment. Thank you so much!! Our family loves you for years!! ❤️❤️

[@grammawuest4145]

Howie can handle it. He is brilliant and his humor relieves everyone. God Bless Shalom to you and your family. Love you 😍

[@jacquelinedabney3099]

Thank you for speaking openly about your journey with mental health.

[@jenniferluchkow6968]

Thank you so much Howie and Jacqueline for using the platform you’ve been given to advance the normalization of mental illness. I’ve been dealing with anxiety and depression for 25 years, openly talking about it with the hopes of changing the perception of this disease. As you said so well, the thoughts don’t make sense, but you’re unable to prevent them. Anyone dealing with this, needs help to cope and live with some hope and joy. Please talk about mental illness to everyone you can, to help create a future with understanding of the severity of this illness and the courage it takes to live with it.

[@thejailorsjester5016]

I have OCD, what’s called Pure-O. I have mental compulsions, checking my body and feelings for responses, seeking reassurance from loved ones. It’s awful. I wish I had physical compulsions sometimes to help with everything. OCD sucks. It’s horrible.

[@brendasaldana6821]

This man is loved by so many fans!

[@bettycogswell9851]

Thanks guys. I'm sure this will help so many. I have loved Howie since his early days. I remember him from the 70's. He is so funny. God bless you both...

[@shannonm75]

He explained that so we'll and I totally relate! I have depression and anxiety, obsessive thoughts. I also use coping skills. I was in and out of therapy for years. Barely have any peace in my mind for 24 hours. Yet now it's still easier as long as I have those coping skills, self soothing to which has helped better than therapy. I understand that I have a disorder but I cannot totally stop the intrusive thoughts. This has been a life long battle for me and there is no cure at this time for these disorders. Improvement is possible for many but no one "cured". My brain is tired of my thoughts but despite it all, I do have happy moments and I don't have to look depressed and anxious to be that way. You know yourself better than anyone. Only people who go through this truly understand.

[@teresafraser3049]

It's wonderful to hear you mustered up the courage along with your beautiful daughter to bring light to which effects a great portion of the population! This is a learned response which us why Jaqualine is suffering the same. We must believe that when your heal your inner child wounds the mental illness disappears 👍

[@Livelove111]

I live all this and more. Wouldnt wish it on anyone. Now as im losing my mom and this year of covid has made my life so so crushing. Im so overwhelmed and alone that the pain is palpable. Thank you for speaking your truth Howie

[@moniquemurphy4851]

🙏

[@shirleyward5230]

So needed to hear Howie today. Coping with pain everyday is exhausting and so getting through each day is hard work. You want to give up to stop the struggle but you always hope tomorrow will be just a little bit better -and wait

[@anneamerican]

This is extremely helpful! Grateful for your opening up about your brokeness...

[@jaimiesotsky8768]

Thanks for talking about it bc i can relate. Everyday really is a struggle.

[@arlenewhite6452]

I love this! The fact that you share this. I sooooo relate…..you have ALWAYS been one of my favorite comedians of ALL time…so sharing this side of you is priceless to me. 💙 I loved you in Bobby’s World …you’re voice over in that, and even BEFORE that….before my mom passed away, our favorite show to watch together was Deal or No Deal….🙌🏼😆 She always imagined me on your show winning!!!😭😭😭 God love her…she passed in 2011…but you are definitely part of my great memories of my Mama! Thank you Howie,, for being YOU. Beyond the OCD… And thank you, Jackie!!! For growing and maturing, and standing by your father. This is not easy.🙈😭 LOVE your transparency.🙌🏼🥰

[@cathyabou-eid2773]

Your a GIFT Howie,thank you for sharing your journey with us,very Brave and very respected THANK YOU

[@wednesdayschild3627]

CBT helped me so much. I am not debilitated anymore.

[@feliciarizzo6841]

Love ya Howie...keep talking about it...we need you and people like you to let others know they are not alone...you have the biggest heart and its free to give it and free to receive it back...stay strong...

[@lindacallahan6330]

Thank you so much for sharing. Watching this I realized I have OCD. I thought so, but this confirms it. Plus I can play this so my husband can understand the struggle I face. Thanks.

[@Maria-zc6jp]

You and your daughter are helping so many people

[@cynthiadavid5282]

He tells like it is this video is a blessing to all that have ocd and anxiety it takes work and therapy and lots of it but u learn how to cope and live with it

[@lilypoi6731]

I’m the exact same way😔 Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾🤗♥️

[@howiemandel8143]

Thank you

[@edwardizhonig204]

Thank you both for your courageous sharing and using your difficult struggles to help others. A mensch! Thank you!! Wishing you both peace.

[@gudrunerlingsdottir4590]

Thank you soo much for sharing - helping me understanding people around me so much better 🙌 💚💚

[@user-id9kZf7T8Bl3Y]

Holidays are worst time for me, I am alone at home suffering from all kinds of anxiety. I haven't been able to find someone whom can understand me.

[@Justcallmestyles]

Thank you for talking openly about OCD, especially when it comes to those who think very normal and human behaviors, talk like they have OCD. It's a terrible mental illness, I can't count how many times I've cried over the most miniscule things, would take 10 showers a day because I couldn't even feeling slightly dirty, rubbing and washing my hands raw, and the intrusive thoughts. It's exhausting and it is so much more than just preferring your pots in a certain part of your kitchen or folding your towels a certain way.

[@helenguthrie2855]

I love that you are speaking out and breaking down the stigmas attatched. You are so amazing for speaking up and speaking your truths to help others know they aren't alone and normalize

[@MiZzBee1]

I LOVE Howie's analogy! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@muhammaduddin9268]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@renakmans3521]

When I hear Howie speak about OCD I realize mine isn’t the standout version. I feel broken and can’t seem to shake this thing but for some reason with his success I always thought Howie overcame his. We all have to somehow accept this terrible condition and live one day at a time. Love each other and stay in the Now.

[@kellygreen1343]

Thanks so much Howie and Jackie!

[@sheilamore3261]

I think it’s wonderful yall are helping each other out that is absolutely wonderful father and daughter that’s awesome🥰💕💕💕

[@dianhoggatt5883]

Continue to fight the fight Howie-it is a better world with you in it!

[@catherinebateman6179]

Howie I adore your honesty and your heart ❤️! Thank you !

[@maureenmellott5738]

Thank you both! So very, very much!

[@StuSiney]

Pocd. 30 years straight. Every second.. but I still try. Thanks for sharing this

[@donnaq7626]

Wow, it's so scary when mental health concerns run in families. Hard to believe he has accomplished so much with this disease that basically cripples most people with it. A friend of mine has depression and her daughter does now too and does not speak with her and we are convinced it's because her daughter resents her mother for passing on this disease to her.

[@nathanhutton5304]

Howie hit the nail in the head, that we all need help at one point or another. No man is an island!

[@CCANUEL1]

Thank you for sharing this Howie and Jackie!!! This really touched me deeply!!

[@evelynmartinezlassalle6900]

I'm so glad for Howie and his daughter for coming out

[@helenmartin7808]

Thanks guys you give me encouragement I too have ADD and OCD and at 76 it sucks.. I can’t cope if everything isn’t asymmetrical I ask my worker if she could possibly do it my way.It can make life miserable.🇨🇦

[@DeepValleyPV]

OMG, I have OCD! And I didn't know it until now. Truly a breakthrough moment for me. I think this video's has already helped me a tremendously. Sincerely, thanks a million for this video.

[@barbarafrazier9896]

Thank you both for sharing your struggles. You inspire me.