Before you decide to tell your husband, family etc maybe you should find someone else to talk to first. Your doctor, a priest or maybe a counselor. Trying to unburden yourself is not easy, believe me I know I'm doing it every week & speaking to someone who will not judge you is a great release.

Find someone you trust or a counsellor to talk to. You may find that what you did may not be as horrible as you think it is. Could it be something that impacts the present or is it over and done? Is it likely to happen again? Can you somehow make restitution for your action? How much would this hurt your husband if you confess?
If it's over and done, forgive yourself and promise never to repeat it. If possible, make restitution.
If your action could effect others now or in the future, then please get counselling on how to proceed.
Guilt is difficult to deal with and has a way of morphing into other negative problems.
This is my personal opinion and advice and in no way would I judge you. We all have done something that we are deeply ashamed of and it seems that those who are the most ashamed are good people with a conscience. Good luck.

Oh, dear heart - this sounds like something very hard to put up with, and I have no idea what I'd do about it. In truth, all I can think of is a therapist, preferrably a Clinical Psychologist, who will work through things with you. It seems that Psychiatrists only hand out tablets these days. I guess this is a silly question, but is it truly impossible to speak with your husband about this? If not, I would think that Therapy would be the best. One absolute truth, which I know you are aware of, but let me say it again . . . . . . you are Right Here - Right Now, and there is nowhere else you can ever be. Look around you at the things you love, and try to get that feeling into you. Of course, if it were that easy, I'd be totally depression-free, and I'm not at all, but I AM aware that what I've written is true. You can CHANGE nothing about the past - to feel better about yourself you are going to HAVE to get into the here and now. A big hug to you. Leah x

DixieFox, We All Make Mistakes Thru Our Life's But We Learn From Our Mistakes Most Of The Time, And Move On,I Have Done The Samething,And Really Felt Quilty But There's Not Much You can Do,Except To Move On!Sending Hugs And Prayers To You,Dance Like Nobody's Watching!

No you are not alone - I was in a similar situation 19 years ago and I did lose everything and ended up fighting for my freedom. If you do not deal with it now - it will come back and bite you on the ass! Ask me I know. 19 years later I do have a loving, understanding husband but my guilt will never leave. It is the cause of my depression and anxiety today.