smartiespn:

When people (mainly Sam) ask Dean if he’s ok and Dean says “I’m fine”, but it’s quite obvious that he’s not. What he’s really saying is “I’m not fine, but I need emotional space to deal with things.”

When people (mainly Sam) continue to pry and poke at Dean to open up, what they’re doing is the opposite of giving space.

This has always, always bugged me about the show. Dean is screaming “Give me some time and space!” While other people trample all over his request. And it’s never ever acknowledged by the narrative and goes over most people’s heads (fandom).