If this is the way he deals with issues, then your best course of action may be to just give him the time and space to work it out.
prying, questioning, pushing, forcing your way into his process will work against you.
i say this because this is how i am. when i am in my process of dealing with my issues, and someone tries to force their involvement, it is extremely grating and irritating.
so at the most, let him know you support him and you're there for him. and then just be quietly supportive. if he needs you he knows where to find you.
"In a ham and eggs breakfast, the hen is involved, but the pig is committed".