A 19-YEAR-OLD woman from Seer Green had suffered from severe depression and eating disorders for three years before killing herself in woods near her home, an inquest heard.

Abigail Wiggins, who lived in Long Bottom Lane with her family, was found hanging after her mother raised the alarm on the morning of April 19. Richard Hulett, coroner for Buckinghamshire, described her death as "a tragic death of another young person".

He recorded a verdict that she took her own life after suffering from prolonged depression. He also commented that her abuse of alcohol and drugs, such as cocaine and strong marijuana, could have affected her state of mind at the time of her death.

Abigail's mum, Jacqueline Wiggins, said on the morning of her daughter's death she had got up early and seen Abigail in the garage, writing in her journal.

She said: "Abi seemed completely normal. On reflection she seemed particularly cheerful as she is not much of a morning person."

When Mrs Wiggins returned to the garage a few minutes later, Abigail was gone. She said: "I immediately sensed something was wrong. I checked her room but she wasn't there. I ran to the garage and immediately checked her journals. On the top was a picture of Abi. She had written a note to me saying that she was sorry that I had seen her. She had taken anti-depressants that she had stored and cocaine and alcohol.

"She had taken herself off to a place she loved to hang herself, and she did not wish to be found. From her journals it is clear that was how she felt for a long time."

Mrs Wiggins called the police immediately. Abigail's body was discovered in a wooded area close to Seer Green railway station where she often walked the family dogs. Mr Hulett said: "That she took her own life is clear beyond any reasonable doubt. She had been thinking about this for some time before she did it, I do not think that those around her could have done anything to prevent it. You cannot watch other people every hour of the day."