The family of a young woman who took her own life shortly after telling a GP she had been thinking of harming herself believe more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

Bella Goldsmith, from Herne Bay, was reported missing just hours after a telephone consultation with a doctor about her ongoing battle with depression and anxiety.

The GP had given Bella the contact for a counselling service, increased the strength of her anti-depressants and advised her to make a review appointment in three weeks, or sooner if needed.

But the 22-year-old disappeared that evening and was tragically found dead in woodland off Eddington Lane the following day, leaving a notebook by her side containing letters to loved ones.

An inquest into her death this week heard nothing to suggest the GP had done anything but follow proper practice, but Bella’s heartbroken family believe she may still be alive if a different course of action had been taken.

Her cousin, Kim Brett, said: “Bella was surrounded by a loving family and friends but clearly needed professional help, not just anti-depressants and the promise of counselling sometime in the future.”

At Monday’s hearing, a coroner ruled Bella had taken her own life, saying there was a “wealth of evidence” to show she had acted deliberately.

The court was told she lived with her parents in Fleetwood Avenue, Herne Bay, and had suffered from depression and anxiety for a number of years.

Her condition had worsened following the death of a friend last year and a recent relationship breakdown. It had led to her self-harming and talking of wanting to die.

In a report read out at the inquest, Dr Jeremy Carter, from the Park Surgery in Herne Bay, said Bella had first presented with depression in 2018, after jumping out of a window.

Subsequent consultations resulted in a diagnosis of anxiety in 2020, and in June of that year she attended A&E having consumed a significant amount of alcohol.

Dr Carter said she was prescribed medication for depression and anxiety.

“On September 13, she consulted with another GP at the practice in relation to ongoing depression and panic attacks,” he said.

“She was having thoughts of self-harm but had not made any specific plans or intentions.

“It was noticed that she used to cut herself and it was agreed to increase her fluoxetine (an anti-depressant) and a prescription was issued.

“She was sent a link to primary care counselling and advised to book a review for three weeks later, or sooner if needed.”

Bella’s family believe she may still be alive if she had been referred for specialist mental health support.

“She needed to be put on the right path, but it just didn’t happen,” said Mrs Brett.

“Her last appointment wasn’t even a face-to-face consultation, and surely a doctor can’t make a real diagnosis of someone’s mental health over the phone like that.”

Bella was reported missing on the same day as the appointment after failing to turn up at a friend’s house as planned.

DS Heidi Collins, who investigated her death, told the inquest Bella had sent phone messages to friends that evening, writing of “wanting to be at peace”.

“There was an unanswered call to her from her mother and then at 10.38pm a text to her mum, saying ‘love you all’,” she said.

Bella was found shortly after 1pm the following day by members of her family, including Mrs Brett, in woodland near Homebase, where she had previously been seen on her bike.

DS Collins told the coroner that among Bella’s belongings at the scene was a notebook that contained messages to her loved ones. She added there was no evidence of third-party involvement.

Concluding that Bella’s death was a suicide, senior coroner Patricia Harding said: “I am satisfied by the medical cause of death, and the wealth of the evidence in this case is that it was a deliberate act by her.

“I’ve heard that Bella had been suffering from depression and left a note which can be regarded as a note of intent. In those circumstances, the appropriate conclusion is one of suicide.”

After the hearing, a spokesman for Park Surgery said: “We are unable to comment publicly regarding patient care due to patient confidentiality.

“We would refer you to the statement Dr Carter provided to the inquest.

“The surgery is always happy to discuss any concerns directly with next of kin.”

Bella’s death sparked an outpouring of sadness and tributes to the former Herne Bay High School pupil, who was described as “a beautiful soul” and “a ray of sunshine”.

Mrs Brett said: “Yes, she had mental health problems, but Bella was always laughing and joking and very kind and fun to be around.

“That’s how we want to remember her.”

Bella’s funeral on October 10 was attended by more than 500 family members and friends at Herne Church.

A Gofundme page was set up by her younger sister, Maisie, which raised £5,000 and will pay for an inscribed bench at her graveside in Herne Bay cemetery to be installed next year.

Donations are also being made to the mental health charity MIND and the Dogs Trust.

A friend, Troy Lee, has also set up a Just Giving page in aid of MIND in memory of Bella and another friend who died, Kelsey James, with funds raised through a boxing match on April 7.

Although not employed at the time of her death , Bella had previously worked as a receptionist for Motorline in Canterbury and had many friends in the city and in Faversham.

After the inquest, her parents, Zoe and Roger, said: “Ever since she was a baby her cheeky, fun and determined personality shone right through, and she carried that with her in her older years.

“We will remember her in everything we do and remember our social butterfly for her always being herself and spreading a little bit of Bella in everyone she met.”

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans any time on 116 123.

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