A mental health patient begged not to be released from hospital just days before she killed herself, an inquest heard.

Charlotte Faux, 26, who lived in Whetstone, was found dead at Edgware Community Hospital, in Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, on March 20, 2014.

An inquest opened today at North London Coroner’s Court, in Wood Street, Barnet, into her death.

The court heard how Miss Faux, a social worker who worked with teenagers with eating disorders, had a history of depression and had attempted suicide before, including once when she was 19.

She was admitted to St Anne’s Hospital in Haringey after taking an overdose on January 31, 2014, and was discharged on February 11.

Following this, she had secured a lead role in a play and a new job as a social worker, and felt more positive about the future.

However, she spiralled back into a deep depression, and admitted herself to Edgware Community Hospital on March 7.

The court heard Miss Faux had tried to commit suicide on the ward on March 13.

Despite this, her risk rating was classed as low, and she was scheduled to leave on March 24 – subject to a discussion with medical staff.

Miss Faux was desperate not to leave, and wrote a letter the night before she committed suicide, pleading to stay.

In her letter, she wrote: “Every day is a constant battle. They think it’s the depression causing me to feel this way. I feel like I genuinely want to die and I have very logical reasons for why things won’t get better. To keep myself alive is torturous and draining.

“I genuinely do not believe I would be able to survive being discharged into the community at this point. I will end up killing myself.

“Being here is like being on a life support machine at this moment in time. Nothing will get any better, particularly when I know the system and how hard it is to get help.”

Giving evidence, Dr Khalid Aziz, the consultant psychiatrist on the ward, said having Miss Faux sectioned was not a viable option.

He added: “She did not want to end up on a section of the ward which would have negative implications on her job prospects.”

Coroner Andrew Walker said the situation seemed “hugely complex”, and added: “What your team were trying to do was move down what amounted to a tightrope, with falls on either side of it. You had to balance your treatment.”

Dr Aziz said the team had read the letter from Miss Faux, and that similar threats were sometimes used as a bargaining tool by patients.

Coroner Walker asked whether, with the benefit of hindsight, it seemed to Dr Aziz that she was set upon ending her life.

He replied that there seemed no clear intent.

Nurse Marko Donatiello also gave evidence, and spoke about how Miss Faux was open to engaging with staff, and enjoyed singing opera and playing piano.

The inquest continues tomorrow.