It is easier to see why we need to confess sins like anger or lust to others; these are sins that are more clearly against another person. But whatever lack of faith or self-destructiveness is present in anxiety-depression seems to be much more internally corrosive than externally offensive. This is not as true as we are prone to believe – rarely can we be emotionally disrupted and loving optimally – but it is a good place to start this conversation.

The pursuit of forgiveness is not the only reason we should confess our sin. However, if forgiveness is the only reason that comes to mind when you think about confession, then this chapter will likely produce a reaction of defensiveness or shame. These are the very emotions that push away from others instead of towards them. Unless we combat this misconception we’ll be fighting an uphill battle in this step.

Confession is what invites other people into our lives and points out to them where they can help. Confession is how we acknowledge our weakness and admit that we need their help. Confession is what ensures others that we have the humility and realistic expectations necessary to be safe to help. Confession is the door to community; the door through which we much enter if we do not want to be alone in the dark with our emotions of depression-anxiety.

Simply put; we confess to others because it is good for our pursuit of righteousness as much as because we’ve sinned. Often, with confession, we are like the child who is offended by their parents telling them to eat the vegetables so they can be “big and strong.” We perceive the remedy as an insult highlighting that we are “small and weak.” It makes sense, but as long as we think that way we’re trapped.

In this chapter you will be asked to go to the people in order to confess:

• Your weakness and need for help
• How your depression-anxiety caused you to mistrust God
• How your depression anxiety led you to neglect, offend, or control them
• How your depression anxiety resulted in your living in unhealthy ways

You’ve been honest with yourself (steps 1-3) and honest with God (step 4). Now you need to be honest with those around you (this step) in order to put yourself in the best position to enact lasting change (steps 6-8) and enjoy it (step 9). In order to help you take this pivotal step well, we’ll examine the subject of confession in two sections.

1. How to Confess
2. Preparing for Confession

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