PTSD is a very complex diagnosis, and it manifests itself differently in everyone. I don't think there is a blanket answer here for that reason, but if you would be kind enough to give us her symptoms we may be able to help address those.

For example: if she has flashbacks grounding techniques may work, if she wakes up panicked perhaps mindfulness breathing and light meditation might work, if she feels anxious she might benefit from yoga ... it really just depends on what her symptoms are.

PTSD is not a one-size-fits-all issue, so without knowing more I'm not sure there is much we could suggest.

I would recommend though keeping an open dialogue with her about the PTSD. Ask HER what she thinks she needs and what you can do to help; be supportive and don't push her too far emotionally. Let her know you're there if she wants/needs to talk, but don't try to force her to speak until she is ready.

I'd also recommend light research on the topic (which you could easily Google) on both triggers and responses. When I have flashbacks they barely register on my face but my husband can tell when I have had them. When we are in public or I am in the middle of a conversation with someone he reaches out and holds my hand then squeezes it as a grounding technique. It is such a minute movement other people don't register what is going on, but is something I really appreciate. (That said, for some people being touched immediately after a flashback would be a bad idea).

Either way, she's the best person to tell you what she needs.

I know it must be difficult standing on the outside watching someone you love go through PTSD but to that end ... I admire you. I know what I put my husband through and it takes a really strong person to love someone actively struggling with PTSD. I also think it is great that you are reaching out here to help her; it shows a sense of support many people lack.

Both my wife and I have PTSD and we still don't know how to help each other sometimes. I think the key is communication. As Alice said talk to her in a positive way and have her suggest things that might comfort her. I would also suggest that you ask if you can participate in therapy with her occasionally. It will help you understand her situation more and might facilitate better communication between you on the subject.

My husband attends at least one of my twice-weekly therapy appointments, so if he has questions or concerns, he can ask an expert, and we can deal with any "couple" issues. The other big thing is that I give him things to do. I know that sounds weird, but he gets very upset if he feels helpless, so we spent a couple therapy sessions talking out what I was okay with him doing and not doing. Things he might do that might trigger me (I'm very phobic about being trapped, so if he gets between meand a door, I can freak, for example) or to make me feel better ("Do you want tea and a blanket?") or even daily things like, "Hey, how's your med situation, do we need to call anything in?" It's very much about a team effort for us. We are aware that I have the diagnosis, but the PTSD affects both of us, and our relationship.

Hubby also learned how to talk me through grounding during flashbacks and I learned to ask for the help (I had the tougher time, to be honest), and many other things, large and small.

The hardest obstacle for me, as the one with the dx, was realizing he'd have to see me all messy and vulnerable and effed up. Not easy or simple. Even with therapy. We were married 20 years when I was dx'd and I was still sure he'd take one look and run.

That said, these are two links someone here posted back when I first joined this board (2013) and Hubby finds both useful.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-the-age-anxiety/201203/what-do-when-someone-you-love-is-anxious-0

https://sometimesmagical.wordpress.com/2013/10/26/supporting-a-loved-one-through-ptsd-or-panic-attacks/

He has both bookmarked.

Good luck, and keep us posted:-)