Festive and party time can be so lonely for many - how can we encourage them to talk, to reach out and to connect?  Not just those who live alone - but having just been with a lad who cried all thro Chmas dinner in a state of anxiety, a girl who struggles to juggle a demanding job, baby and her relationships; a guy who freaks out when stressed all "successful" and all intheir 30s - its scary.  We need to slowdown and relate?

I am not so sure that pace is the issue. I wonder if it is learning to listen better to what they really want from themselves and life rather than responding to external images of what they should achieve and have?

7vicar raises two interesting and important points.   First, are these people aware that they have a problem; I would say almost certainly they are because, as much as we may hide things from others, we have to be in very strong denial to not admit it to ourselves?   Which bring us on to point two; will they admit to others that they need help? That is the trickier one, because asking for help is often perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence or failure by parts of today’s society. Therefore people often suffer ‘in silence’ rather than appear unable to cope; I know, I’ve been there, but the amazing thing is that once I opened up (actually broke down would be more accurate) not only did I find help forthcoming, I also found lots of others admitting they had been through exactly the same scenario.  

So Morton,  how do you get these folks to be honest about their problems?  Each person will need to be treated differently, that’s obvious.

Possibly the simplest approach is to mention that you've noticed that they are looking a bit stressed and just ask if they want to talk about it, then play it by ear.

What I would advise however, is that before starting the conversation you have a plan of action in mind to help them otherwise you could be caught off-guard if someone opens up straight away and immediately asks what they should do.  I wish you well