Q:

Is there a word (or phrase) that describe a series of mishaps/misfortunes in one's life?

I don't mean something like 'many hardships' or 'several tragedies'. I'm looking for a word or short phrase that would describe just a really rough spot or time frame in someone's life. For instance, [s]he was fired, lost a loved one and/or a friend, a pet died, [s]he wasn't getting much support from those around him/her. How can I describe such a cluster of emotional events in a simple way?

A:

A bad patch. I've heard rough patch, too, but more commonly bad patch or rough time. I suppose sticky patch is chiefly British.
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/go-through-a-bad-difficult-rough-sticky-patch 

A:

Trial and tribulation.  
Ordeal.

i.e.: A period of trial and tribulation.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/trials+and+tribulations

A:

Adversity: 

a state or instance of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune. 

he had to cope with life's many adversities; she showed courage in the face of adversity.

also  vicissitudes  : (from M-W) 

difficulties  or hardship attendants on a way of life, a career, or a course of action and usually beyond one's control.

