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.
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 want to talk about it
Do you want to get coffee / lunch / dinner and chat later?
Did you hear about _____ (something from the news that's bothering you)?
I'd love to get your advice about something.
Can I text you?
Want to take a walk with me?
I need to vent.
Do you have time to listen?
I'm having some issues with _____. Do you have time to talk?
Can I bounce some thoughts off you?
Have you ever felt like _____ (how you're feeling)?
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.
Take a mental health test
Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Taking pause and acknowledging what you are hearing about how the person is feeling is important to help them feel validated and listened to. What did you need in that moment? It's easier to help someone if you know exactly what they need from you.
Taking pause and acknowledging what you are hearing about how the person is feeling is important to help them feel validated and listened to. What did you need in that moment? It's easier to help someone if you know exactly what they need from you.
Add a “how about you?” after responding. Even in cases where you're not sure about your response, it's a good idea to include this in your message. People like being asked questions, and you can also take a look at the other person's answer.
So, if someone asks “How are you?” and you're not feeling OK, you can say something like this: “I'm not going to lie, I don't feel very good.”“I'm struggling a bit.”“I'm not doing very well.”
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
