When someone asks how you're doing, and your life has been crazy and chaotic lately, it's okay to be honest and share your feelings while still maintaining a level of appropriateness for the context of the conversation. Here are some possible responses:
"I've been going through a lot lately, and it's been pretty chaotic, but I'm doing my best to handle things."
"To be honest, things have been a bit crazy and overwhelming recently, but I'm taking it one step at a time."
"It's been a challenging time for me lately with all the chaos, but I appreciate you asking."
"I'm hanging in there, but life has been pretty hectic lately."
"Thanks for asking. It's been a bit crazy lately, but I'm managing."
"It's been a rollercoaster lately, but I'm trying to stay positive."
"I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything going on, but I'll get through it."
Remember, you don't need to go into specific details if you're not comfortable doing so. It's okay to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, and a polite and brief response is often enough for most casual interactions. If the person asking seems genuinely concerned and you feel comfortable opening up, you can always say something like, "I'd rather not get into all the details right now, but your support means a lot to me."
Ultimately, it's essential to be genuine and authentic in your response while also considering the context of the conversation and your relationship with the person asking. If you need someone to talk to or support during challenging times, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional support networks.