E089 - Why Do We Feel So Empty Inside? (Psychologist Reveals Fixes) | Dr. Saliha Afridi

Listen to this episode from First Things THRST on Spotify. Dr. Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and founder of The Lighthouse Arabia, joins us for a powerful conversation on the true path to mental well-being. In a world obsessed with hacks, shortcuts, and surface-level wellness, Saliha offers a grounded perspective: healing isn’t quick—it’s deep, reflective work. From high-performing clients masking trauma to the emotional isolation men often face, this episode dives into what genuine mental health progress really looks like.00:00 Introduction01:00 Working in Dubai among high-achievers04:00 Psychedelic therapy: potential vs pitfalls11:09 How to choose a great therapist13:10 Therapy as lifelong self-work16:46 Founding The Lighthouse Arabia17:26 Why men struggle with emotional support21:47 Helping men connect to their inner world27:17 Emotional regulation vs repression35:08 Why we sabotage ourselves50:02 Purpose beyond success58:58 Sadness vs clinical depression1:14:30 The impact of social media on relationships→ Download your free playbook: digitalplaybook.net→ Join our newsletter for key takeaways: thrst-letter.beehiiv.com→ Shop THRST fitness gear: thrstofficial.com→ Custom Bioniq supplements: bioniq.com/mikethurston• Use code for 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO• Use code for 20% off your first month of Bioniq PROJoin WHOOP for free: join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrstFollow Dr. Saliha Afridi:Instagram: @drsalihaafridiWebsite: lighthousearabia.comThis is a must-listen if you're seeking meaningful growth, emotional intelligence, or a deeper understanding of how to navigate modern life with clarity.