Things you can say when you're not "fine"

A simple “hello” is usually followed by “how are you” or “how have you been” – and most of the time the answer is “good” or “fine.” But what if you’re struggling? Here are some things you can say when you’re not okay.

I'm not fine

• I'm actually going through some stuff.
• Thanks for asking. _____ has been stressing me out lately.
• I'm in my feels / I've got all the feels.
• I'm having a day / It's been one of those days, well, weeks really.
• I'm feeling some kind of way.
• Ugh. I can't stop thinking about _____.
• Not so great, to be honest.
• On the struggle bus.
• Feeling rough. 
• Today is not my day. 

I don't want to talk about it

• Thanks for asking, but I don't feel like going into detail.
• I appreciate that, I'm just not ready / don't have the time to talk right now.
• I'm still trying to find the right words.
• I'm not in a talking mood right now. Thanks, though.
• I don't feel like talking, but I'll take a hug.
• I don't want to talk, but I don't want to be alone. Do you have time to just hang out for a bit?
• Can I come to you when I'm ready to talk?
• I'm still thinking things through.
• Let's talk about _____ instead for now.
• I'll reach out when I'm ready.

Life can be challenging, but every day shouldn't feel hard or out of your control. If it does, there is hope and help. One free, anonymous, quick, and easy way to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take a mental health test at mhascreening.org.