It sounds like you would consider telling your friends you're sad? I had a hard time telling my friends, yet when I did, they said they'd be there for me, no matter what......... it was so freeing, I have very close friends, as I sense you do, and to let them in on it, was empowering.......you could show them this post? Or the next time they ask how you are, you could say, well actually, pause, sense whether they are prepared...and you could share a little, not too good.......whatever is natural to YOU................