Hiding a layoff from the family, bad idea? after 4 years as a project coordinator

I was laid off 24 weeks ago and have not told my family because I do not want them to worry. There are 4 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. Bills are coming up and I cannot keep this quiet. Did it get easier afterwards?

Shame is common after a layoff even when it is not your fault. Saying it out loud to one person first helped me.

Do not wait until a bill surprises them. The longer it goes, the harder it gets.