A MOTHER who battled depression and anorexia was found dead at her home after her mental health deteriorated during the Covid pandemic, an inquest heard.

Police and ambulance crews attended the home of Natalie Baker, 34, in Basildon on May 21 last year.

Essex Coroners Court, in Chelmsford heard yesterday that the mum had previously had struggles with her mental health. Coroner, Michelle Brown, said: “This lady lived with her partner and children and had lived with anorexia, depression and previously had suicidal thoughts.

"There had been a deterioration in her mental health in the lockdown. “She was found dead at her home on May 21 last year and was not known to mental health services. Police attended and found there were no suspicious circumstances.”

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Speaking at the hearing her mother, who had spoken to Natalie the same day, described her as a loving mum to her children.

She said: “She said she was low but not that she was suicidal. She was panicking about what to feed the kids. She was like that, she did need reassurance that everything was ok.

“Nothing seemed different and she was always up and down, she had good and bad days like everyone. “I did not have any concerns that day, there was nothing abnormal.

“It’s just shocked all of us, she loved the girls so much, it doesn’t seem possible.” Insp Steve Baker who attended the property on May 21 last year, gave evidence at the hearing.

He said: “We had a call from the ambulance, police attended and found the woman and she was confirmed as dead at the scene.

“There were no signs of any foul play or third party involvement and there was no indication she wanted to take her own life.

"There were notes about NHS workers and police and what they do but they seemed to be a child’s school work.”

The coroner said she cannot be certain what happened the day of her death. Recording an open conclusion, she said: “She adored her children and was there alone with them. I do not think she had the intention to take her own life, we will never know.”