I did tell my fanily too I was very scared to tell my mother but I did. Being a single mom I had no one I could lean on, I was the leanee and it was all too much for me. So I told mom and then my family and they were fantastic, very supportive and not judgemental.
Everyone has their own set of circumstances and reasoning and thats totally understandable.
I just felt so relieved because I could be honest about my circumstances, I didnt have to make excuses anymore about family outings, etc. Although Mom did worry and offered to help financially all I asked for was her understanding, "my debt, my problem", I said. I know she was proud of that, she was with me all the way but she died shortly afterwards, unexpectedly, very sudden. I am sooo glad that I was honest with her. I am also grateful that my family knew as I couldnt afford clothes or flowers for her funeral, I was deverstated at the loss of my mom. I know that I just couldnt have coped with this and the debt, plus the kids, if my family hadnt known, but they were fantastic and still are. When I count my blessing I count them all twice.