Idris Elba Opens Up About Battle with Workaholism and Therapy: Discover His Journey to Conquer Unhealthy Habits

British actor Idris Elba described himself as an "absolute workaholic" and revealed that he is seeking therapy to address his "unhealthy habits." During an episode of the "Changes with Annie Macmanus" podcast, which was released on Monday, Elba disclosed that he has been in therapy for approximately a year.

"In my therapy, I have been pondering extensively about the prospect of transformation," he expressed. "It is not because I have a dislike towards myself or any similar sentiment. It is simply because I have developed certain detrimental patterns of behavior."

"I am employed in an industry that applauds these detrimental habits," Elba admitted. "I am a workaholic. I am undeniably consumed by work. However, this approach does not bode well for a fulfilling life in general. Any extreme behavior is unfavorable. Achieving equilibrium is crucial."

The Emmy-nominated actor recognized that his profession requires "being able to accept the fact that I won't be able to see my family for six months. I fully dedicate myself to my work, creating a new family within my colleagues, only to eventually bid them farewell."

Idris Elba performed at Coachella this year.

Presley Ann/Getty Images for Coachella

Referring to the need to "adapt" those pathways, he humorously dismissed any possibility of reducing his workload.

According to him, the activities that bring him peace of mind inevitably involve work. For instance, he mentioned that working in his personal studio after spending 10 days on a film set brings him greater relaxation compared to simply lounging on the couch and watching TV with his family. He added, "Isn't that strange?"

Renowned for his roles as Stringer Bell in the HBO series "The Wire" and the leading character in the BBC crime series "Luther," Elba effortlessly juggles his acting endeavors with a successful DJ career. Notably, he has showcased his DJ talents at prestigious music festivals such as Glastonbury Festival and Coachella.

Furthermore, Elba has ventured into the realm of filmmaking, marking his directorial debut with the feature film "Yardie." In addition, he has proven his creativity by creating the television show "In the Long Run" in 2018.

Idris Elba attending the Academy Awards in 2023.

In 2016, researchers from the University in Bergen in Norway discovered that approximately 7.8% of individuals could be identified as workaholics. These individuals were dedicating more time to their work than originally intended, leading them to neglect their hobbies and exercise routines.

Elba discussed the significant impact of fatherhood on his life during the podcast. He shared that becoming a father to his three children has greatly grounded him and inspired self-reflection. Through this experience, he has learned a great deal about himself, constantly striving to see things from his children's perspective.