MENTAL health teams have vowed to change their practices after a man took his own life, an inquest has heard.

James Warren Mills, who suffered with a long-term mental condition, was found dead at his home in Barrow’s Morton Close aged 36 following concerns for his welfare.

The father’s mental health was said to have worsened in the days before his death on January 2.

A hearing at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court heard Mr Mills had had an argument with his wife Caitlin, which may have been caused by his ‘low mood’.

Mrs Mills, who was living with her parents at the time, said she became concerned after receiving a text from her husband saying: “Tell our son I love him and I love you. Goodbye.”

His mother Angela Mills then contacted police, who broke into his house to find him hanged.

Toxicology reports said there was cocaine in his system at the time of his death.

In a statement read in court, Caitlin Mills described her husband’s death as a ‘complete and utter shock’.

He was said to have suffered with paranoid schizophrenia for a number of years and engaged with community mental health teams.

Rachel Horrobin, service manager for the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust, discussed a report compiled after Mr Mills’ death.

It recommended more face-to-face meetings with community mental health team service users if concerns were raised by their families.

Coroner Kirsty Gomersal recorded a conclusion of suicide, calling Mr Mills' death a 'tragic loss'.