truly answer to "how are you" instead of always saying "fine"

This is such an automatic response for me. I had a meeting with my teacher/mentor-person. He, of course, knows that all is not peachy-keen with me which is why I asked to speak with him. He asked me how I was in that voice that says “I’m really concerned about you” which of course, sent up my internal defense mechanism so I answered “ok.” Which I then changed to “tired.” I hate not answering truthfully, but parts of me don’t want to drag other people into my problems—even though he is more than willing to listen. Grrrr. But this will be my new mission.