Actress Rose McGowan has released a powerful letter addressing suicide and mental health after the death of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

In an open letter, McGowan revealed Bourdain, who was found unconscious in a French hotel room on June 8, struggled with depression and sought professional help before taking his own life.

Bourdain’s tragic death was one of four reported celebrity suicides in less than a week.

Reports on Monday revealed The Goldbergs actor Jackson Odell, 20, was found “unresponsive” on June 8 at his Los Angeles, the same day Anthony Bourdain, 61, apparently took his own life.

Fashion designer Kate Spade, 55, committed suicide at her New York home on June 5 and Ines Zorreguieta, 33, the sister of Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, was found dead in her Buenos Aires apartment on Wednesday.

McGowan said she penned the letter on behalf of Bourdain’s girlfriend and actress Asia Argento.

Speaking of the disturbing spate of high-profile suicides, McGowan warned: “There is no one to blame but the stigma of loneliness, the stigma of asking for help, the stigma of mental illness, the stigma of being famous and hurting.”

“We must do more and be better. Anthony, our friend, would want it that way.

“We are asking you to be better, to look deeper, to read and learn about mental illness, suicide and depression before you make it worse for survivors by judging that which we do not understand, that which can never fully be understood.

“We have a choice as humans, shrink to our smaller, uglier selves, or be better and grow as only true Phoenixes can. I urge you to be that Phoenix.”

McGowan added while Argento worked with professionals during her own battle with depression, Bourdain, who was part of a “pull up your bootstraps and march on” generation, did not.

“Anthony’s internal war was his war, but now [Argento has] been left on the battlefield to take the bullets. It is in no way fair or acceptable to blame her or anyone else, not even Anthony.

“She did the work to get help, so she could stay alive and live another day for her and her children.”

McGowan said Argento had unfairly faced blame in the aftermath of Bourdain’s death.

“Sitting across from me is the remarkable human and brave survivor, Asia Argento, who has been through more than most could stand, and yet stand she does. She stood up to her monster rapist,” McGowan said, referring to Ms Argento’s allegation of sexual assault by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

“And now she has to stand up to yet another monster, suicide. The suicide of her beloved lover and ally, Anthony Bourdain.

“I write these truths because I have been asked to.”

McGowan said that when Argento and Bourdain met, it was instant chemistry, and that “he was her rock during the hardships of the last year”.

Asia Argento and Anthony Bourdain. Photo: Getty

McGowan says Bourdain and Argento had a “free relationship” and “loved without borders of traditional relationships. Many of these people who lost their ‘friend’ are wanting to lash out and blame. You must not sink to that level,” she said.

“Do NOT do the sexist thing and burn a woman on the pyre of misplaced blame.

“He put down his armor, and that was very much his choice. His decision, not hers. His depression won.

“Anthony’s internal war was his war, but now she’s been left on the battlefield to take the bullets. It is in no way fair or acceptable to blame her or anyone else, not even Anthony.

“As I watch Asia do her job on set today, I see a pillar of strength who continues to work to put food on her children’s table.”

If you or anyone you know is experience difficulties, help is available. Please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.