Here's the Deal On Howie Mandel's Germ Issues

It seems like every time I've mentioned the name Howie Mandel lately, the response I get back is, "Hey, he's a germophobe, you know." It made me curious as to whether the charge was true or simply evolved out of an urban legend, so when I had the chance to chat with Mandel last week about his breakout success hosting NBC's "Deal or No Deal" I felt compelled to find out conclusively for myself what the deal was about Howie and the microbes in our midst.

"Well, I'm not so much a germophobe exactly," Mandel replied without a trace of anxiety. "What I have is OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). It's true that I won't shake hands. I also have a lot of rituals. I do wash my hands repeatedly. And what I do in my life to deal with it, I'm able to make fun of in my comedy act. I'm also surrounded by great people and a great family who have helped me through, and combined with therapy it's helped make me a highly functioning person with OCD. But not a lot of people are as lucky as me."

Indeed, Mandel himself grew up unhappy and feeling enormously stigmatized. As a kid, he was the 180-degree opposite of the gregarious, optimistic, outgoing dude he is today.

"I wasn't social," he admits. "I locked myself away. It very much retarded me socially as a kid. There wasn't a name for what I had back then, which made it doubly tough. It's so tough for kids. You wonder why this stuff isn't covered by insurance. Why is there still such a stigma about mental health issues?"

So schooled is Mandel on the subject that he's been invited to speak on Capital Hill on May 7 in recognition of National Children's Mental Health Day, making a case for embracing mental health as an important and shame-free element of the medical establishment when it comes to kids and adults alike.

"I'm honored to have been invited to Washington to be an advocate for kids and mental health issues because I've long fought to recognize that these are hurdles we have to jump over," Mandel emphasizes. "I also work to avoid taking this all deadly seriously. We need to see the humor in this stuff or it eats you alive. And I mean, I never want anyone to feel sorry for me and what I've overcome. We all have to cope with something, whether it's OCD, depression, relationship issues. We all need to find the tools and wherewithall to deal."

Mandel has been married to wife Terry for 27 years. They have three kids. And despite his OCD obstacle, Mandel continues to do not only "Deal or No Deal" but some 280 stand-up comedy/concert dates every year.

"I've been blessed to have a phenomenally supportive and loving family. But especially in smaller areas of the country, it's a struggle for people. I get e-mails on my Website from kids all the time who talk about the fact they have to turn around three times before entering a room, which is a symptom of OCD. There's a lot of shame for kids living in Middle America because there's still so much ignorance. People need to understand that this is a definable medical issue, not a sign someone is crazy. I'm striving to make mental health as common as dental health."

Comments

[Elizabeth Freeman]

Thanks for your article on Howie Mandel and his speaking out on behalf of the stigma of mental health issues for him as a child with OCD. We need more people like Howie to speak out and show just how common issues of mental health are for everyone so that the stigma can be dissolved in our society. The latest gene research has found a genetic link to many mental health issues and I'm sure there's more. Howie is right, we need to ensure all people have the resources for dealing with mental health issues and to find that recovery is possible.
I work at the SC Dept. of Mental Health in the Children Services Division and develop programs in schools for children, youth and families.

[Elease Webb]

I read your article today and am glad to hear someone else speak out against the wrong that has been unjustifiably labled againt people with a mental illness. This stigma has followed me for years. Uneducated people who do not understand mental illness need to talk one-on-one to someone who has been stricken with the disease before making an assumption that we're crazy or that it doesn't exist. I would personally like to lobby for the word CRAZY to be abolished from the dictionary. Thank you for listening. I hope I'm not too late to comment on this article. You rock! Howie Mandel.

[C.A.M.]

Thank you for this article. My child was diagnosed with OCD about one year ago and it's been a struggle in many ways. I think it's great to raise awarenessa about this illness so that people are not so ashamed to talk about it.

[Shawn Hunt]

I have met Howie in 1994 in L.A.(Malibu, CA) I
did'nt try to touch or shake hands, just small talk ,,, he was such a dick !

I don't care about his gay germ-aphobic stuff , He is just a dick !

[Shawn Hunt]

I have met Howie in 1994 in L.A.(Malibu, CA) I
did'nt try to touch or shake hands, just small talk ,,, he was such a dick !

I don't care about his gay germ-aphobic stuff , He is just a dick !

[beth kimball]

Howie Mandel is the greatest, funniest, handsomest, fun lovingist man I have ever seen.. as a comedian, he makes me laugh..I love that! And as a game show host there are none better.. he enjoys his work and it shows!

[Dan]

question are you canadisn or american, I hear that you do not like canada

[ted]

He is a weirdo...freaky weirdo...he gives me and my family the creeps!!!!

[Una Mae Brzon]

I thought I heard him say once that he counts things. I complusively count things. I would like to know more about it if this is true. Thanks.

[eileen mcintyre]

Your book was an interesting read--kudos to you for how you deal with your OCD I have a grand-daughter with this condition

[Anonymous]

I think it is ridiculous how brainwashed people have become about germs these days. Howie Mandel is no exception, but he is still a brilliant entertainer.