The Neglected Soul: Ancient Monastic Teachings on Depression for the Modern World

Healthcare and Religion Lecture

Daniel Ibraheem

MD/MAR candidate

Yale University

Andreh Labib

DO candidate

Duquesne University Nasuti College of Medicine

This presentation describes how the 4th century theologian Evagrius Ponticus’s framework for the thoughts can help illuminate modern depression. Evagrius represents an ancient viewpoint on how people could experience various thought patterns parallel to depression and what could be done for them. Speaking primarily from a spiritual perspective, Evagrius offers wisdom that is useful for understanding spiritual elements of a condition that has been largely biologized. He demonstrates that spiritual considerations of depression are not in competition with biological models, but allow for multi-layered understandings of a disorder that impacts the whole human: body, soul, and mind.

Continuing medical education credit will be available for those in attendance.

Co-sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies, Jewish Studies Program, and Palliative and Supportive Institute

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