Tragic mum’s life of trauma

YEARS of depression . . . Nadia Menza

A TROUBLED young mum took her own life after years of depression and a traumatic childhood - including the revelation that her parents were in fact her aunt and uncle.

Nadia Menaz (24), who was described at one point as “feeling trapped”, was found hanged in her three-year-old daughter Innaya’s bedroom at their home in Higher House Close, Chadderton, an inquest heard.

In December 2014 Nadia was granted a Forced Marriage Protection Order, despite being married under Islam to her long-term partner Umar Rasool in 2011.

The hearing had to be adjourned as her family disputed the cause of death - claiming she had been murdered by Mr Rasool. But Detective Sergeant Rachel Eaton said police were satisfied no one else had been involved.

Pathologist Dr Philip Lumb said the mark around Nadia’s neck was consistent with asphyxiation, not strangulation and there were no signs of a struggle.

Senior coroner Simon Nelson said: “My conclusion is that she took her own life while suffering from a depressive illness.”

Nadia, the second-youngest of five sisters and three brothers, had previously tried and failed to take her own life at the ages of 14, 18 and 19, as well as a month before her death. At that poin she was considered high-risk by doctors and checked herself into the Royal Oldham Hospital’s psychiatric unit in April.

Nadia’s depression was partly caused by traumatic experiences from childhood, including an alleged sexual assault at the age of 15. She had trouble trusting others and was still troubled by finding out her parents, Ruksana Kausar and Sabir Hussain of Morris Street, Glodwick, were in fact her aunt and uncle.

Ms Menaz discharged herself and was referred to a home treatment team. She cooperated with the team but would experience mood swings and suicidal thoughts.

At an earlier inquest last month, Ms Menaz’s cousin and confidante Muhammad Naqash Ali, of Morris Street, Glodwick, told the hearing Nadia had informed him of her troubles and had even seen the injuries she had inflicted on herself. Her family knew she had been into hospital in April but didn’t know the reason. They believed she had no psychiatric issues.

On the day of her death, Nadia sent Mr Rasool text messages saying: “I’m going to die, I’m going to hang myself.”

When he returned from Friday prayers, he said she was aggressive and argumentative and repeatedly told him to get out. She banged her head against the wall.

Nadia was visited by the home team and brightened as she spoke with members - telling them she was feeling suicidal but had no intention of acting on the feelings. But she was found shortly before 7pm by Mr Rasool.

Mr Nelson said: “I have every sympathy with the family. What for me remains perhaps the saddest part is that her close family members simply didn’t know why she was being treated for her mental health difficulties. I’m only thankful she wouldn’t have suffered in her final moments.”