Most elderly people have a strong rejection of depression, mistaking depression as a precursor of “schizophrenia” or a manifestation of dementia, and some even see depression as a moral problem, confusing depression with low consciousness and poor character, so they strongly deny that they are depressed, fearing that their reputation in old age will be denied. Reputation is denied, so they are very stubborn about their depressive state, denying that it is a psychological problem and refusing medical intervention and social support. They think that they can improve the bad state through their own efforts, but in fact the seriousness of the problem is far beyond their personal ability to adapt. Therefore, it is the first step to make the elderly understand the nature of depression, to relieve their misconceptions and concerns about depression, and to make them agree to receive treatment. Misconceptions Older people often have many misconceptions about receiving treatment. Some people are concerned about the side effects of antidepressant medication that will mess up their bodies; some think that medication has dependence and will lead to drug addiction; some think that antidepressant treatment will conflict with the treatment of physical illness; others do not believe that psychotherapy is effective and think that psychotherapy is just to advise and chat, which does not work, but these concerns are actually unscientific. Clinical studies have shown that the survival rate of depressed patients with cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease is much lower compared to those who are psychologically healthy, and depression can also seriously interfere with the immune function of the body, thus directly affecting the recovery of somatic diseases. Elderly people with physical illnesses should realize that depression can be the most catastrophic killer. Dismissive mentality Many people have a dismissive mentality towards geriatric depression, thinking that they are just unhappy and do not take it seriously at all. In fact, elderly people with depression who do not receive active attention and effective treatment are often actually in danger of suicide, with the suicide rate being twice as high in the elderly compared to other age groups. Among them, elderly men account for 81%. A survey in the United States showed that 70% of elderly suicides had contact with a doctor within a month before the suicide, and 39% had seen a doctor for their illness within a week before death, but unfortunately, their depression was not identified, diagnosed and treated. Therefore, mental illness in the elderly should be given as much attention as physical illness. Compared to younger people, older patients are less likely to talk about suicide and instead take action, so never wait until you find out that an older depressed person has reached the point of appearing suicidal before you start a consultation. In addition to non-pharmaceutical methods, antidepressants are the main treatment for depression in the elderly. In conclusion, elderly people should clearly understand that depression is also a disease and needs to be treated; that the understanding should be scientific and not too confused; that the mind and body should be treated and not to collide with each other; that the treatment is effective and should not be discontinued; that suicide should be watched out for and the difficulties can be broken; and that the quality of life should be cherished and most important.