to be a mess vs to be in a mess

[kompstar]

1. I'm in a mess. I dont' know what to do.
2. I'm a mess. I don't know what to do.

3. She's in a mess. We have to talk to her and help her.
4. She's a mess. We have to talk to her and help her.

Are the sentences above correct and natural? If "yes" do they mean the same (1=2 and 3 = 4)?

[GoesStation]

To be in a mess and to be a mess are a little different. The first means that you're involved in a complicated situation; the second means that you don't feel in control of yourself or that you're dissatisfied with your appearance.