Citation

Ali Z, El-Mallakh RS. Arch. Suicide Res. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2021.1878079

PMID

unavailable

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.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; Ancient Egypt; journaling; suicide note