A Voice and Beyond

A Voice and Beyond

#217 The Hidden Causes of Our Inner Turmoil with Dr Shila Patel Part 2

Jul 5, 2026 · 49 min · 14 segments

In Part 2 of my conversation with **Shila Patel**, we move beyond understanding inner turmoil and explore the profound impact our relationships, communities, and sense of connection have on our mental…

In Part 2 of my conversation with **Shila Patel**, we move beyond understanding inner turmoil and explore the profound impact our relationships, communities, and sense of connection have on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Drawing on more than 25 years as a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Patel shares why loneliness has become one of the defining public health challenges of our time, how stigma continues to prevent people from seeking help, and why meaningful healing begins with personal responsibility, self-awareness, and authentic human connection. Together, we discuss the changing landscape of modern relationships, the importance of rebuilding community, and how compassion, accountability, and respect can help us create healthier families and stronger societies. If you've ever felt isolated, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by today's fast-paced world, this conversation offers both hope and practical wisdom. In this episode we discuss: - Why loneliness is becoming a global health crisis - The connection between loneliness and mental illness - Why social isolation may be one of the earliest warning signs of emotional distress - Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health - The impact of modern relationships on emotional wellbeing - Why personal responsibility is essential for healing - How stronger communities create healthier individuals - Building resilience through meaningful human connection This episode reminds us that when we have the courage to reconnect, with ourselves, with others, and with what truly matters. **Find Dr. Patel Here:** - drshilapatel.com/ - facebook.com/shilapatel.144/ - twitter.com/Manjri56Patel - https://www.youtube.com/@shilapatel6787 **Book:** - US Unhinged - amazon.com.au/Unhinged-Dr-Shila-Patel-M-D-ebook/dp/B09QL9V46L **Find Marisa online:** - Website: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarisaleenaismith/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisa.lee.12 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avoiceandbeyond3519/videos **Resources:** - MLN Coaching Program: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/mentoring/ - Schedule a Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/info-56015/discovery - Gratitude Journal: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/product/in-gratitude-my-daily-self-journal/ - Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/product/ebook-thriving-in-a-creative-industry-dr-marisa-lee-naismith/ Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! ...

In Part 2 of my conversation with **Shila Patel**, we move beyond understanding inner turmoil and explore the profound impact our relationships, communities, and sense of connection have on our mental…

Why Modern Relationships Struggle3:33 – 6:49

3:33

I really would like to talk more about relationships now.

3:39

You know, we've started to head that way from children, parenting, how that impacts their relationships.

3:48

And the divorce rates at the moment are skyrocketing.

3:52

Skylight.

3:53

Yes.

3:54

And you're also seeing people... who are divorcing after having been together for 30 years that seems to be happening more and more absolutely and there was never a thing before you'd say a very good reason for that okay i want to hear that you know they used to talk about the seven year itch that was the thing back in the day but now there's i don't believe that exists i think it doesn't matter how long people have been together there's still a likelihood of divorce.

4:24

So why do so many people now struggle to build those lasting relationships

Shila PatelGuest

4:33

and beyond? Okay, let's start off with what happens early in the relationship.

Shila PatelGuest

4:39

People fall in love.

Shila PatelGuest

4:41

They look at each other with those rose-colored glasses.

Shila PatelGuest

4:44

There's love and there's lust.

Shila PatelGuest

4:48

Then reality hits.

Shila PatelGuest

4:51

You're living together.

Shila PatelGuest

4:53

You don't like some of their habits, but you put up with them.

Shila PatelGuest

4:57

You have children.

Shila PatelGuest

4:58

You want to be able to take care of the children.

Shila PatelGuest

5:02

You put up with things from each other.

Shila PatelGuest

5:03

But the real high divorce rate with younger people is intolerance.

Shila PatelGuest

5:08

Especially we've talked about children whose parents have bailed them out, have done everything for them, have given them everything.

Shila PatelGuest

5:15

They get into marriage.

Shila PatelGuest

5:17

They may not have that.

Shila PatelGuest

5:19

And so it's easier to say, hey, I'm out of here.

Shila PatelGuest

5:22

Or like you said, with a seven-year itch, whether one partner has an affair or not, one of the things I've always said is an affair is always an unmet need.

Shila PatelGuest

5:33

So if you don't understand what that unmet need was for the affair, then it's going to be easier to say, hey, you know, he or she just ended up messing with somebody else and I'm out of here.

Shila PatelGuest

5:46

That's what I'm talking about, intolerance and not having that basic stability to say, Okay, let's see what's going wrong in the relationship.