Each person is different. Some people want to talk about the problem that has them upset, others try to ignore it and pretend it never happened. I had an aunt who miscarried at over 4 months of pregnancy. The entire family was afraid to talk about it to her because they didn't want to make her cry. But she wanted to talk about it. She wanted people to ask questions. It made her feel better when she could talk about it. Other people would want to pretend that it had never happened. You have to figure out what that "someone" needs. Do they need to talk, or do they just need a hug? Show you care, if they are burrowing theirself at home and not doing anything, offer to take your friend out to dinner, or bring him/her a home cooked meal. Take them their favorite magazine. Just show them that you care.