A German woman living in East Lancashire took her own life after struggling with her mental health, an inquest has heard.

Michelle Bernhagen, 31, had been living in Colne with her partner, Mark Tierney, for two years, having been together for around four years.

An inquest at Accrington Town Hall on Thursday, July 25, heard Michelle had been “feeling down” for a few months and was taking anti-depressants.

Michelle, who worked at BAE Systems near Samlesbury as an import organiser, was found dead on April 25 having been uncontactable throughout the day.

Police Sergeant Mark Holland, based at Colne police station, attended the scene and confirmed there was no evidence of third-party involvement or disturbance.

Coroner Laura Fox read statements into the record from Michelle’s GP, who had diagnosed her with mixed anxiety depressive disorder.

In a phone call to her doctor, she said she was feeling “mediocre” and that she was not taking her anti-depressants as they were not agreeing with her.

It was also heard Michelle had 19 one-hour counselling sessions online, where she described being stressed at her job due to it being high pressure and there being a lack of staff.

Ms Fox said Michelle’s proactiveness to do all she could to help herself showed great “strength of character and spirit”.

A post-mortem examination carried out by Dr Mark Sissons said the findings were consistent with hanging, which was recorded as the medical cause of death.

Ms Fox said: “Michelle was a much-loved 31-year-old lady who very sadly had been feeling down.

“Medical records showed she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

“Work was stressful and she sometimes suffered from dark thoughts.

“It’s tragic her mental struggles were too much for her to bear.”

Ms Fox formally recorded a conclusion of suicide, adding: “Michelle Bernhagen died on April 25, 2024, at her home in Colne.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, contact Samaritans on 116 123, 24 hours a day.