Post-traumatic stress disorder is typically triggered by:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is specifically associated with exposure to traumatic life events that are severe enough to cause significant psychological distress. These events can include experiences such as combat exposure, sexual assault, natural disasters, serious accidents, or any situation where an individual feels a threat to their life or safety. The key characteristic of PTSD is that it arises in response to these impactful and often life-threatening experiences.

While difficult childhood experiences or long-term mental health issues might contribute to a person's overall mental health, they are not the direct triggers of PTSD. Daily stressors, though they can lead to anxiety and other mental health challenges, are usually too mild compared to the severity of events required to trigger PTSD. Thus, the correct answer identifies the direct link between traumatic life events and the development of PTSD symptoms. Understanding this connection is crucial for recognizing and addressing PTSD in individuals who have experienced severe trauma.