A catastrophic event is a type of stressor that refers to a sudden and significant event or disaster that causes widespread destruction, loss, and trauma. Examples include natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, as well as human-made events such as terrorist attacks.
A traumatic event refers to an extremely distressing experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, leading to feelings of fear, helplessness, or horror.
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It involves persistent symptoms like intrusive memories, nightmares, and anxiety.