What kind of stress might someone experience after a life-changing negative event?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following the experience of a life-changing negative event, such as a traumatic incident or severe emotional distress. Individuals with PTSD may experience flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event, which highlights how profoundly such experiences can impact mental health.

This choice is rooted in the recognition that significant traumatic events can lead to long-term psychological effects. PTSD is specifically characterized by its emergence after exposure to a traumatic experience, making it distinct from other types of stress responses.

Eustress refers to positive stress that can motivate and enhance performance, while chronic stress is a prolonged and constant feeling of anxiety or tension that can lead to various health problems. Critical Incident Stress refers more to an immediate psychological response to a shocking event, often seen in first responders. While similar, PTSD is uniquely identified as a long-lasting condition that specifically follows traumatic experiences, thereby validating the selection of this option as the most appropriate for the scenario described in the question.