Breaking the Silence: Confession as a Step Toward Mental and Spiritual Healing

 

In many faith communities, the act of confession is often misunderstood — seen only as admitting sins rather than embracing healing. But what if confession could be the key to both mental and spiritual recovery?

🌿 The Healing Power of Confession

A study titled “Religious Confession and Symptom Severity” involving 320 people across various religions (Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim) found that those who practiced confession experienced lower levels of mental symptoms — such as obsessions and hostility — especially in communities that provided emotional and spiritual support.
Source: PubMed

Last Sunday, I decided to confess about my addiction to a counselor through a church program called Ruang Sahabat.
To be honest, I almost backed out. It felt terrifying — but the sermon that day reminded me that “openness is the first step toward healing.”

When I finally confessed, I didn’t receive judgment. Instead, I felt relieved. My counselor listened with compassion and helped me find practical ways to deal with my struggle. That moment became the start of my recovery — not the end.

💭 Why We Struggle to Confess

Confession sounds simple, but for many believers, it’s one of the hardest steps.
Here’s why:

  1. Fear of Judgment
    Many believers are afraid of being seen as “weak” or “unholy.” The fear of rejection and isolation often silences them.

  2. Toxic Positivity and Perfectionism
    In many churches or religious spaces, people are encouraged to “always be blessed,” leaving no room for vulnerability or honest struggles.

  3. Lack of Safe Spaces
    As I mentioned in my previous article on loneliness and isolation in faith communities, many people have no “safe zone” to confess without fear of being misunderstood or excluded.

📊 According to a 2021 Litbang Kompas survey, 33.3% of Indonesians struggle to talk about their problems, while only 1.6% seek professional help.
Source: Kompas Lifestyle

✝️ Confession as Healing, Not Shame

The Bible reminds us in James 5:16:

“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.”

Confession is not about shame — it’s about healing.
Psychologically, telling the truth reduces guilt and anxiety, according to a study from the American Psychological Association (APA, 2014). Even partial confession can relieve internal tension and bring peace of mind.
Source: APA Press Release

After I confessed, it felt as if a heavy stone was lifted off me. I realized I wasn’t alone — and that healing starts with honesty, not perfection.

💡 How to Confess Safely

If you’re thinking of opening up, here are some safe steps to follow:

  1. Choose a trusted person — such as a pastor, counselor, or spiritual friend.
    I was fortunate to find a safe environment through my church’s Ruang Sahabat program.

  2. Prepare your heart through prayer.
    Before sharing, I prayed and asked God for courage. It helped ease my anxiety.

  3. Use gentle language.
    Try starting with, “I’ve been struggling with…” without sharing every detail.

  4. Use spiritual journaling.
    Writing to God can be a personal form of confession. I often journal my struggles and prayers during online sessions.

  5. Combine confession with therapy.
    Confession opens the door, but professional help continues the journey.
    In Indonesia, you can consult a psychiatrist (dokter spesialis jiwa) since access to therapy is still limited unless you’re registered in a hospital or mental health program.

🌻 What Happens After Confession

After confessing, I didn’t just feel lighter — I also felt more connected with God and my community.
But healing doesn’t stop at confession. It requires:

  • Community support: Small groups, mentors, or prayer partners

  • Daily affirmations and prayer

  • Accountability: Trusted faith friends who walk with you

🌈 Confession: A Bridge, Not a Wall

Confession is not a sign of weakness. It’s a bridge toward healing, not a wall of shame.
My session ended with a prayer and a renewed commitment to recover day by day.

That Sunday, I didn’t confess to be perfect —
✨ I confessed to begin healing.

Conclusion
Confession is one of the most powerful acts of faith — a meeting point between mental health and spiritual renewal.
When done in a safe, loving environment, confession helps us reconnect with God, with others, and with ourselves.
If you’ve been carrying a heavy burden silently, maybe it’s time to take the first step — not toward judgment, but toward grace, freedom, and healing.


Source:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25204789/

https://lifestyle.kompas.com/read/2024/09/05/211500920/data-ungkap-kesadaran-kesehatan-mental-masyarakat-indonesia-masih-rendah

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/01/truth-guil

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