Ep. 285 When Anxiety Says Stay Away—but Connection Is What You Want Most in Midlife

Have you ever known exactly what you wanted to say to someone—and still stayed silent?If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety can sometimes convince you to pull back from the very moments that could help you feel more connected, understood, and less alone.In this episode, you’ll discover:How anxiety can shift your attention toward self-protection and away from meaningful connectionWhy fear isn’t always telling you to stay away—and how learning to understand it more accurately can change your relationshipsThe difference between fixing someone’s pain and helping them feel seen, heard, and supported Take 11 minutes to better understand what your anxiety may really be telling you so you can create more connection in your relationships—you’re worth it.Send us Fan Mail****About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities.Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.