A mum wrote out an ‘end of life plan’ and killed herself days before she was due to appear in court.
Angela Monk, who was known by her middle name of Sarah, had struggled with her mental health since 2009 after being diagnosed with factitious disorder; an illness which causes people to mimic symptoms of illness to make others believe they are sick.
The 56-year-old, who grew up in Leyland, had several physical health issues including a heart condition and had previously had a stroke, but had always maintained that she had no thoughts of taking her own life.
On September 20 of this year, the housing manager in charge of the assisted living development in Ormskirk where Sarah lived went round to her flat at 9am after concerns were raised for her welfare. When the manager entered the flat they found Sarah, who was born in Preston, dead inside.
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An inquest held today (December 21) at Preston Coroner’s Court heard how, two days after she died, Sarah had been due to appear at Preston Crown Court to enter a plea to serious criminal charges. A diary found next to Sarah’s body gave her solicitor’s details and information about what should happen to her personal effects after her death.
Area Coroner Kate Bisset read statements from mental health practitioners involved with Sarah’s care. On August 27, less than a month before her death, Sarah had contacted the initial response service at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust which provides mental health services.
“She said she was feeling low in mood and lonely but denied having any suicidal thoughts,” Ms Bisset said. “She insisted she would be safe and said she planned on making a hot chocolate and watching something on Netflix.”
Although toxicology tests could not be carried out on Sarah the cause of death was recorded as an excess of medication. The coroner returned a conclusion of suicide and said: “Angela Sarah Monk died on September 20, 2023, at her home address having consumed an excess of medication. She had previously expressed an intention to take her own life.”
We’re here to help
You don’t have to suffer in silence if you’re struggling with your mental health.
Here are some groups you can contact:
Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email [email protected], in confidence.
Childline: Phone 0800 1111. Calls are free and won’t show up on your bill.
PAPYRUS: Suicide prevention charity offering professional help and support to children, young people and anyone concerned for someone struggling with life. Call HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039 967 or email [email protected].
Depression Alliance: A charity for people with depression. No helpline, but it offers useful resources and links to other information.
Students Against Depression: A website for students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal. Click here to visit.
Bullying UK: A website for both children and adults affected by bullying. Click here.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For young men who are feeling unhappy. There is a helpline: 0800 58 58 58 or visit the website.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
