What is the term for the experience of loss that one goes through?

The term that accurately describes the experience of loss that an individual goes through is "bereavement." This word specifically refers to the period during which someone is grieving after losing a loved one, typically marked by the emotional and psychological responses to that loss. Bereavement encompasses the overall experience of losing someone significant, including the process of mourning and the feelings of grief that follow.

Mourning is related but refers more to the public expression or rituals associated with grief, such as funerals or memorials. Grief itself encompasses the emotional response to loss, including sorrow, anger, and confusion, and can vary significantly from person to person. Sorrow describes the deep feelings of sadness that arise from loss but does not fully capture the broader context of the bereavement process, which includes emotional, social, and cognitive aspects.

By understanding that bereavement is the comprehensive term that encapsulates the entire experience of loss, one can better appreciate the nuances of mourning and grief as related but distinct concepts within the journey of coping with loss.