When your partner(s) notice you aren’t yourself and ask you if you’re alright, please don’t insist that you are when you’re really not. They know you’re not, that’s why they’re asking. Let them be there to support and help you. That’s a benefit of poly: having a multi-person support system.
You’re not burdening them, especially if they were the ones who asked you in the first place. If you can’t say it (which often is the case for me, personally), write it. Send an email. Be upfront and tell them it’s easier for you to write your feelings. If you can’t put your feelings into words, spoken or written, just tell them you know you’re not yourself but just don’t have the words to describe it. On that note, if you’re not ready to talk about it, tell them that. Just don’t swear up and down you’re great when you’re not.
When your partner(s) know you’re not yourself and you continue promising that you’re good, you leave them wondering what’s really up; then they’re not ok…and now, no one’s ok.
I can’t say it enough: honesty and communication are paramount in polyamory.
