Encourage the person to start resolving the problem soon. Help establish a start-up time. If the person resists acting on the problem, discuss this and help resolve this feeling. Find out how the action plan worked. The body also has an influence on emotions and mental functions.
People are particularly likely to be upset when they're hungry or overtired.
You might remind a troubled friend that when problems seem insoluble, a new perspective might be gained simply by having a good night's sleep and well-balanced, wholesome meals. Encourage some form of exercise, too. Walking is a great tension reliever. When people are upset they may sometimes tell intimate secrets. Later, they may be sorry they talked so freely.