Actor Ahmed shares his online therapy session to help others with anxiety
He may not be making movies as the coronavirus pandemic has shut down film sets around the world, but Riz Ahmed is putting his time at home to good use.
The Emmy-winning actor has taken part in a number of morale-boosting initiatives on his social media, as many around the world stay home in a bid to stem the spread of Covid-19. He has hosted live chats with the likes of poet Rupi Kaur and journalist Bilal Qureshi.
In the virtual discussions, released under the banner #TheLongLockdown, The
Night Of star tackles everything from identity and politics to entertainment – and, for his latest, he is putting mental health in the spotlight.
Riz, 37, held an online therapy session with psychiatrist Dr Kamran Ahmed – who happens to be his brother – to discuss confronting anxiety during the pandemic.
The live-stream was held on April 17, but Riz uploaded a section of the chat to his social media this weekend for followers who may have missed the session last month.
“Some great tips here, take a look and pass it on if you think someone would find it helpful,” he captioned the clip.
In the video, the doctor teaches the Venom star about the practice of cognitive behavioural therapy, a practical treatment designed to improve mental health.
“The idea is that your thoughts, mood and behaviour are all linked,” said Kamran.
“So, if you have a negative thought, then it can affect your mood and make you feel down. And if you are behaving in a way that is likely to affect your mood, that is going to make you feel down and will lead to problems, as well. You can change your thoughts and behaviours to change your mood,” he explained.
The Rogue One: A Star Wars
Story actor admitted he was feeling anxious, and worked through a therapy session with his brother.
“So there are thoughts, behaviour, feelings ... and in order to change our behaviour, we can address some of our underlying thoughts, that is called CBT, and that is one of the ways we can challenge anxiety,” said Riz.
“So, it’s good to not let it get out of control. Anxiety can create panic attacks, you can pass anxiety on to other people like a virus.”
The actor and rapper revealed earlier this month that the forced pause on his work schedule had given him time to address his health, both inner and outer.
“Quarantine is forcing me to make time for my mental health, my physical health, my connection to friends, quiet time, in a way that I never prioritised before,” he told W magazine. “For the first time in my life, my schedule is about balance, not about maximising productivity and hustle.”
The Emmy-winning star also hosts discussions with poet Rupi Kaur to help boost morale