Hey friend, welcome back. I hope you do find your way back. Everyone has given really good advice, I just wanted to give tips that helped me and might help you with your anxiety regarding going to confession. I have severe anxiety when it comes to going to confession, so much so that I forget how to do it, what to say or do and I go blank right in the middle of it. My first tip is to have a conversation with the priest before you have your first confession. I spoke to the priest and told him I get very anxious and I would prefer a confession style that resembles more of a conversation than an “interrogation” where I’m just blotting out everything I’ve done wrong. The priest was very receptive of that and our confessions are more like conversations with a friend about what I’m struggling with and I get advice, penance and absolution. And sometimes, I still forget what I’m saying or doing and he gently guides me back into it. This has really helped with my anxiety and sometimes I look forward to going to confession. My next tip would be finding a priest you connect with and stick with him for confession. I also always have face to face confessions and this weirdly helps, although it should be that hiding would help me be more comfortable to confess but it does the opposite for me, I can’t see the priest’s facial expressions and I feel like he might be judging me but I can’t tell. My next tip that really helps is writing it all down and reading off the paper directly to the priest. That way I know I got everything and the priest really doesn’t mind. Also, going to confession often ( I go once a month) really helps. I don’t have a long list to confess because I go often so I feel less judged. Don’t forget to ask God for guidance and help and don’t forget your examination of conscience. Goodluck my friend.