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Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the oldest record of a depressed individual contemplating suicide.
Method
A directed review of ancient Egyptology literature of translations and discussion regarding a papyrus that is approximately 4,000 years old.
Results
The content of the document is consistent with a man going through a severe depression and is contemplating suicide. However, this does not appear to be a suicide note, but more of an ancient example of ‘journaling’ or working through the thoughts of suicide and its possible consequences to the man’s eternal life in the afterworld.
Conclusions
Presentation of depression, the reasons for considering suicide, and the process by which an individual works through those thoughts have not varied significantly over the past 4,000 years.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was not supported by any extramural funds.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
The authors do not have any potential conflicts of interest that relate to this work. RSE is a speaker for Alkermes, Indivior, Intracellular Therapeutics, Janssen, Lundbeck, Otsuka, Sunovion, and Teva.
AUTHOR NOTES
Ziad Ali and Rif S. El-Mallakh, Mood Disorders Research Program, Depression Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.