Don't deal with it

When things get to hard for me instead of opening up to people round me I will shut off more to try and protect myself from harm, that I believe will come with me opening up.
I always answer with "I'm fine, there is nothing wrong" even when people know there is something on my mind.
I feel like eventually I will push everyone away that cares because they will give up on me as I throw away the opportunity to open up.

Its good to tell people what you are going through. When I tell my Dad my troubles, it helps. Good luck!

Try taking baby steps, the first person you decide to open up to should be someone you trust completely and accepts you unconditionally. For me it's my mom. Once you get more comfortable with talking about your problems, maybe the next time a close and trustworthy friend asks you whats wrong, talk to them about it, but a little bit at a time. Make sure the person actually cares, and isn't just being nosy. That's something that's hard to figure out sometimes, but it takes practice. Remember that everyone is damaged in his or her own way, and by no means are you the only one that's hurting or angry. Anyone who rejects you or stops talking to you because you're going through rough times, isn't a true friend and doesn't deserve your friendship! Hope this helps ...

(((lonelyandscared)))

I do the same thing. I have for many years ~ a learned coping method to prevent myself from feeling shamed and betrayed again.

While this behavior now works against me, it is a strong habit to work against. I force myself to open up slowly, with the thoughts and emotions that I'm fighting with. It feels very uncomfortable, but it's something that I have to do to make myself feel better in the long run.

Best wishes to you!

I have trouble in that department. For some reason I don't want people around me to know how I'm really feeling. I think I'm afraid people will be critical of me.

I'm the same way. I always answer "fine" or some other nondescript answer. I don't like to discuss those things largely because I don't have anyone I can safely confide in. Everyone will distance themselves from me and then decide that it is their responsibility to "fix" me. And it's never the problem that needs to fixed, it's always me. I've never understood why everyone around me is like that.