I’ve always felt awkward answering the question “how are you?” although it is just a standard greeting around these parts.
“Y’alroight?” my local friends holler, as they rush past on their way about their busy lives. I’ve started to just reply “hi”, with a smile if I can muster one up.
If neither of us are in a rush, I might say “You know… hanging in there” (no stranger to gallows humour).
How are you? I haven’t a clue.
Ausome Charlie 
Yeah, people at work are wont to ask this, too. I really want to tell them that I am not alright, but that will invariably lead to questions; and I don’t want to bore people.
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I know how you feel David. I resort to “well you know” but as they know I’m bereaved they are satisfied with that. It’s harder to answer when you’re anxious or depressed, but “I’m OK considering” usually dies the trick. If you actually want a longer chat about how you actually are, I hope you have people you can be open with e.g. line manager or a mental health first aider. I’m also happy to support people over Skype
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