It may be a reflex, conditioned when he was younger, when

 

he faced difficulties that he couldn't handle.  By tearing up, his mind got to get distracted from the fear induced by the inability.

Tell him, whenever there is an issue/problem/difficulty, do not feel it but engage his thought.  For him, this may be easier said than done.  But what he needs is to re-condition his mind, so that his right brain does not overwhelm his left brain.

Feeling, in most situations, is a liability. It delays rational thoughts.  Only rational thoughts can solve problems, feelings only make them worse.

Tell him to value himself. He is worthy of the time it takes. Do not rush himself. Things can wait. People can wait. He has all the time he needs to come up with a solution.

There are children's version of the Bible that fits his reading level. He may need a wider view of the world and life.