It's quite long time for this entry, however, I'd like to share something about this, It's really interesting to me, I think.
Everyone has their own problems during his/her life, the problems sometimes makes them think a lot about what they did. They also have their own ways to overcome the problems, some are sad and need a silent place in order to look back themselves, others like to share with their best friend about the feeling so that his/her friend can give some advice. This case your colleague chose the second way to be given some advice from you or he want to tell you his story to feel a little bit comfortable than keep in mind. In my opinion, I think facing with the problems is the best way for us to grow up, to experiment and to get the experience as the useful skills for our life. More than ever, I like to say that try to stand up after problem, you're successful.