Myth: If I have a mental health problem I should be able to take care of it myself.

Fact: Some mental health problems, such as mild depression or anxiety, can be relieved with support, self-help, and proper care. However, if problems or symptoms persist, a person should consult with their primary doctor or a qualified mental health professional.

Myth: If I have a mental illness, it is a sign of weakness- it's my fault.

Fact: Mental illness is not anyone's fault, anymore than heart disease or diabetes is a person's fault. According to the Surgeon General's report: "Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof), associated with distress and/ or impaired functioning."

Mental illnesses are real diseases that may happen to anyone at anytime. No one should feel ashamed of a mental illness. Mental illnesses are physical illnesses.

Myth: If I seek help for my mental health problem, others will think I am "crazy."

Fact: No one should delay getting treatment for a mental health problem that is not getting better, just as one would not wait to take care of a medical condition that needed treatment. Some people worry about the judgment of others if they seek treatment. Seeking appropriate help is a sign of strength and early treatment can produce better results.

Myth: People diagnosed with a mental illness are "crazy" and out of touch with reality.

Fact: Most people suffering from even the most severe of mental illnesses are in touch with reality more often than they are not. Many people quietly bear the symptoms of mental illness without ever showing signs of their illness to others, and most people with mental illness live productive, active lives.

Myth: Depression is a normal part of the aging process.

Fact: It is not normal for older adults to be depressed. It is normal to have depressed (sad or negative) responses to circumstances that often occur in later life i.e. sadness over the death of a loved one or the diagnosis of a chronic health problem, but depression is not sadness. It is a disease that needs treatment.

Myth: Grief leads to depression if an individual doesn’t come to closure with a loss in a short time.

Fact: Some losses never “come to closure” and there is no “right” way to grieve. Grief is an individual and natural response to a loss (whether it was expected or not, or the loss of a pet, a job or financial security). If a person tries to stay too busy to think about or feel a loss, or tries to continue to numb the pain or cut off feelings (by using alcohol or tranquilizers), they are at risk for developing a physical illness.

Myth: If I have a mental health problem, my doctor will know and will treat it.

Fact: Unfortunately, mental illnesses in late life are under-identified and under-treated by primary care physicians. Only about 10% of older adults who need mental health treatment actually receive it. This happens most often because older adults present with physical, not emotional, complaints and conversations about emotional and mental health are not happening. Also, older adults often suffer from mental health problems that don’t fit the clinical guidelines for mental illness diagnoses.

Myth: Alzheimer’s Disease is the reason older people develop dementia.

Please note: This guide is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be used as a diagnostic tool. It is very important that you seek a professional evaluation if you have concerns about yourself or a loved one.