Freida Marya Gibson, 68, had struggled with depression for much of her life but had also spoken about her experiences publicly to help others.

At an inquest into her death, her family described a woman who had tried hard to come to terms with her past, saying she had been seeking help for her mental health since her twenties.

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

She was found dead by her son and a neighbour at her home in Florence Barclay Close, Thetford, on January 8.

An inquest heard moving tributes from her sons, who spoke about her efforts to overcome the difficulties she had experienced and their wish for her to be remembered for more than those struggles.

"She was not a victim, she was a survivor," Donald Maruta said.

He told the hearing his mother had given a talk about her experiences to help other people and had continued trying to address the impact of a troubled childhood.

"She always did her best," he told coroner Maeve Sykes at Norfolk Coroner's Court.

The family said she had previously disclosed attempts to take her own life.

They also believed she may have had undiagnosed bipolar disorder, although no diagnosis was........

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