A Milestone Moment for Suicide Prevention

When a towering 10-foot sign reading “Suicide Prevention Center” was unveiled outside Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Los Angeles, the crowd erupted into applause. Among them was Melissa Rivers, who couldn’t help but cheer with excitement. "This is a game-changer," Melissa, who recently joined the nonprofit's board of directors, told Closer Weekly in its latest issue. "We're the first mental health group in California to proudly display 'suicide prevention' right out front. That's a bold step forward, and it’s huge."

Facing Tragedy Head-On

The tragic loss of Melissa's father, Edgar Rosenberg, in 1987 left an indelible mark on her life. Edgar, who battled depression, took his own life when Melissa was just a teenager. This devastating event not only changed her life forever but also ignited a lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy. "I was only a kid when my dad passed away," Melissa recalled. "It was such an unnatural way to lose someone. But instead of staying silent, my mom and I decided to speak up loudly about it. We wanted to make sure no one else had to feel alone or ashamed."

Together with her late mother, the legendary comedian Joan Rivers, Melissa chose to break the silence surrounding depression and suicide. "My mom and I were among the first well-known figures to openly talk about suicide and losing a loved one," Melissa shared. "We wanted to let people know they’re not alone, and that it’s okay to ask for help."

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Removing the Stigma, Saving Lives

Melissa believes that by dismantling the stigma associated with suicide, more people will feel empowered to seek the help they need. "We’ve come a long way in discussing mental health openly," she said. "In five years, I hope we’ll be just as comfortable talking about suicide prevention. The more we bring it out of the shadows, the more lives we can save." Her passion for this cause is rooted in her personal experience, but it extends far beyond her own pain. She wants to ensure that others don’t have to endure the same heartbreak she did.

For Melissa, this mission has become a source of healing and purpose. "It’s ironic, really," she admitted. "Something that started out of anger and sadness has turned into a driving force in my life. It’s become something incredibly positive." Through her work, Melissa honors her father's memory while paving the way for a brighter future.

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