A dictionary will tell you that bereavement is 'a grievous loss; particularly the loss of a relative or friend by death.' Anyone who has experienced it may well say it was the hardest thing they have had to go through. It can be terrible, overwhelming and very painful emotionally. But it is an event that most will have to be involved in within their lifetime.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/mental-health/grief-and-bereavement