A RIDDLESDEN woman with a long history of mental illness hanged herself at her home in Bradford Road, an inquest concluded.

Sarah Jane Pickles, 40, was found dead on June 16 this year after her care co-ordinator became concerned about text messages she had received from her and went to Ms Pickles' flat.

The messages had been sent to the care co-ordinator's work phone on June 13 when she was off duty, so were not noticed until two days later.

Speaking at the inquest in Bradford last Friday (Dec 19) assistant coroner Mary Burke said a mental services review following Ms Pickles' death had not found evidence that anything could have been done differently to alter the tragic outcome.

However, the review recommended bringing in guidance on text message communication between mental health workers and patients.

Mrs Burke said Ms Pickles, who had been born in Keighley and was divorced, had previously been diagnosed with a condition called Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"She had clearly led a deeply troubled life and had suffered from depression for over 20 years," she added.

"At times this worsened and she had suicidal thoughts. There were instances when she harmed herself and took overdoses."

She said Ms Pickles' symptoms included flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety which had made it difficult for her to leave her home.

Reading from a report drawn up by Dr Natalie Claire Johnson, she said: "Sarah's acts of self harm could be extremely impulsive and her mental state could vary from hour to hour.

"Her life experiences had left a devastating impact on her mental state, and despite the best efforts of our service we struggled to make a big impact on her quality of life."

Mrs Burke said Ms Pickles' care co-ordinator had repeatedly explained to her that she would not always receive messages sent to her work phone whenever she was not on duty, so had supplied Ms Pickles with alternative numbers she could call in a crisis.

The care co-ordinator visited Ms Pickles at her home on June 13 and reassured her that she should would continue to be given support. But on the morning of Monday June 16 she first discovered two worrying text messages on her work mobile which had been sent by Ms Pickles' on the night of June 13.

She went to Ms Pickles' flat, and once the police and landlord gained access to the locked property Ms Pickles was discovered hanging next to an airing cupboard. Paramedics confirmed she was dead shortly after 2pm that afternoon.

Mrs Burke said a subsequent examination by Dr Alan Padwell found no indication of suspicious circumstances.

Offering her condolences to Ms Pickles' family, Mrs Burke added: "I'm satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that at the time Sarah intended to end her own life. She left a note clearly stating what her intentions were. I conclude that she has killed herself."