how long can one keep a secret?

We all have secrets don't we? I guess there are things we'd rather keep to ourselves. Right now i have a major secret. I've told a few of my close friends bout it. This secret of mine wont be kept secret for long. Eventually i will have to tell those persons who will be affected with this secret. It's hard to reveal but i have to. The truth will only set me free. Sometimes it's not healthy to hide something. You get bothered by it and it makes u feel guilty. Hard to sleep at night. I know i will be hurting alot of people when i reveal my secret and i just hope and pray that tis' shall pass...