You have common ground so that is good. She feels safe to talk to you which is amazing. It can be really hard to open up to someone.

Everyone is different but when I reached out I was looking for a couple of things. I wanted to be heard. I didn't want someone to tell me what to do, or fix my issues or even worse blame me. I wanted to be able to talk and not feel ashamed, judged but safe. Don't feel the need to fix her problems, listen and give advice if she asks.

It may seem silly, but tell her you care and want to be there for her. Sometimes I convenience myself that no one cares. Myself I like a lot of reassurance. Everyone is different.

Ask her what she needs. Be kind and compassionate. If she is anything like me I was scared to talk. I wanted a gentle voice to make me feel like it was ok to talk. That I wouldn't be judged or told to get over it.

It may take some time to open up. It doesn't all come at once. Be honest and genuine. You don't have to have all of the answer, know how to fix her, just let her know you are in her corner and will listen and help because you care about her.