A Falmouth woman expressed concern about starting a new medication the day before taking her own life.

Debra Lynn Gofton ended her life on June 12 2018 at the age of 51 after a long struggle with bipolar disorder.

She made a previous attempt on her life in February 2018 by overdosing, and had also recently broken up with her husband.

She had plans to meet with a friend on the evening of her death, and the previous day sent a text that read: "Starting on some new tablets tonight. Apparently they can make you feel worse before they make you feel better."

Debra was found hanged the day after she began taking the antidepressant Sertraline (Zoloft), and she also had high levels of Diazepam (Valium) in her system which she had been taking for some time.

A report from her GP Dr Richard Williams of Westover Surgery stated that she had been suffering with mental health difficulties after a recent relationship breakup.

She told Dr Williams that she had been taking more and more Diazepam (Valium) after the relationship ended to help her get to sleep. At that point he gave her a week's worth of the medication before reviewing her condition again and agreeing to continue the prescription.

A family member told Dr Williams that her mood was deteriorating, but in June she told her GP that she was feeling brighter but still wanted to increase her medication.

He agreed to increase her Diazepam (Valium) prescription. She spoke with an acquaintance who had recently started taking Sertraline and seeing benefits, and told her GP that she wanted to try it.

Dr Williams agreed to prescribe her the antidepressant, but the following day she was found dead.

Debra's social worker Michael Tate told coroner Barrie van den Berg that she had many positive factors in her life including the continued support of her mother, and the recent birth of her granddaughter with whom she was excited to form a relationship.

Mr Tate also said that he and the mental health team Debra had been seeing and receiving intensive therapy treatment from were "immensely shocked" by her death.

Coroner Barrie van den Berg said: "There are no real answers I'm afraid. The reason why she did what she did can only be effectively guessed at without a note. It is most likely that she intended to take her own life."

His official conclusion was that Debra committed suicide.

Anyone struggling with their mental health can call Samaritans’ 24-hour helpline for free on 116123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit their local branch to speak to someone face-to-face (opening times are available on samaritans.org/branches).​