A 56-YEAR-OLD Kingswinford woman who had been suffering with severe back pain and work related stress took her own life, an inquest was told.

Tracey Collins was found dead in bed at her home in Laxton Close on December 28 with her diary and rosary beads, Black Country Coroner's Court was told.

Miss Collins, who lived alone, was said to have been in low mood and suffering from various medical issues, severe back pain and her mental health had deteriorated.

She had been off work due to stress and was taking prescription painkillers. She had been receiving counselling and had been due to have her medication changed after Christmas.

The inquest, held on Monday April 6, was told Miss Collins's sister Samantha had been in contact with her via text message on Christmas Eve morning.

She later visited the property on December 28, having not heard from Miss Collins, and she let herself in with a key.

Miss Collins was found in bed with her diary lying on top of her and several empty blister packs of medication found in the kitchen.

An ambulance was called but Miss Collins was confirmed to have died.

Area coroner for the Black Country, Joanne Lees, said Miss Collins died of a drugs overdose and an entry in her diary, dated December 25, indicated she had contemplated taking all of her medication so that she would "go to sleep and never wake up".

Mrs Lees concluded Miss Collins died on December 28 "after taking an excessive amount of medication" and she recorded a verdict of suicide.

She added: "There was no reasonable expectation that she could have been found in time to save her life."

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can contact the Samaritans for free help and advice by calling 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org.