I was abused as a child and held onto that secret for 40 years. The first person I told was my therapist, but only after several sessions when I knew I could trust her. I told her I was NEVER going to tell anyone else, but she convinced me to tell my family and then I joined a group and told them...and my pdoc knows, too. So much for NEVER telling anyone else.
It has really had a significant impact on my life. I've not been able to maintain a romantic relationship because I struggle trusting others.