Our recent discussion centered around an article titled “Depression Among Older Adults: A 20-Year Update on Five Common Myths and Misconception”. This article revisited a 1997 study that challenged five myths about depression in older adults, highlighting new insights on the subject. The findings of this article hold the potential to positively impact the mental health community as they challenge outdated assumptions that may have led to misdiagnosis, undertreatment, or ineffective interventions for older adults. If depression is better recognized and treated in this population, it could lead to improved quality of life, increased independence, and even longer life expectancy. On a broader scale, changing the conversation about mental health in aging populations can reduce stigma, ensuring that older individuals feel empowered to seek and receive the mental health care they need.   
The article listed the first myth that depression is more common in older adults than in younger individuals. Earlier studies suggested that aging led to increased sadness and depressive symptoms. However, more recent research, such as Blazer (2003), has demonstrated that the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is actually lower in older adults compared to middle-aged individuals. This shift in understanding is partly due to improved diagnostic tools and a better distinction between normal aging and clinical depression (Cole & Dendukuri, 2003). Another evolving perspective involves the causes of depression in older adults. Historically, psychological factors like grief and loneliness were considered the primary triggers. While these factors remain relevant, more recent studies emphasize biological and social determinants, including chronic illness, neurobiological changes, and social isolation, as key contributors (Fiske, Wetherell, & Gatz, 2009). This change in understanding has led to more comprehensive treatment approaches that incorporate medical, psychological, and social factors. 
Similarly, earlier beliefs suggested that depression manifests differently in older adults, primarily through physical symptoms rather than emotional distress. While some studies, such as Gallo et al. (1994), found a slight increase in bodily symptom complaints among older individuals, more recent research has shown that the overall symptom profile of depression remains consistent across age groups. This understanding has led to improved screening methods that ensure older adults receive appropriate diagnoses rather than attributing their symptoms solely to physical health conditions. The notion that depression in older adults is more chronic and treatment-resistant has also been reevaluated. While it is true that relapse rates are higher due to medical comorbidities and cognitive decline (Mitchell & Subramaniam, 2005), newer findings suggest that psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is just as effective in older populations as in younger ones (Areán & Cook, 2002). Furthermore, while some earlier research indicated that antidepressant medications might be less effective in older adults, recent studies have focused on optimizing dosages and combining treatments for better outcomes (Nelson et al., 2008). 
The major findings of the article encompassed that Major Depressive Disorder in older adults is a complex issue influenced by many factors. The treatment, severity, and outcomes of depression depends on more variables such as health conditions than strictly age. The content of the article sparked exciting discussion, in which multiple implications of the article were brought to light. The increased awareness that depression in older adults is often linked to chronic health conditions and social isolation could place additional strain on healthcare systems. If depression is seen as part of a broader network of medical and social issues, treatment must extend beyond prescribing medication and include comprehensive care models- requiring more resources and coordination. Additionally, the research indicating that depression in older adults is more likely to relapse (Mitchell & Subramaniam, 2005) suggests that long-term treatment and follow-up care are crucial, potentially requiring sustained investment in geriatric mental health services. 
Furthermore, we discussed the social implications of such misconceptions, in particular stigma around mental health in aging. By challenging the myth that depression is a normal part of growing older, older adults may feel more encouraged to seek treatment. As a final note, we analyzed what factors could contribute to the establishment and continuation of misconceptions about mental health in the older age population, such as ageism, previous gaps in research, and the current focus on depression in younger age groups.  
Haigh, E. A. P., Bogucki, O. E., Sigmon, S. T., & Blazer, D. G. (2018). Depression Among Older Adults: A 20-Year Update on Five Common Myths and Misconceptions. The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 26(1), 107–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2017.06.011   ​

Because it avoids the in-person cues that make social interaction difficult, social media has become a tool for many autistic individuals, offering a space to form relationships in ways that feel more natural and accessible. Unlike in-person interactions, online communication removes challenges like eye contact and physical processing, making it easier to engage. In the article we discussed, (Using social media to be ‘social’: Perceptions of social media benefits and risk by autistic young people, and parents) one adolescent shared, “It helps you build friendships with individuals around the world,” while another noted that it feels “not as personal, more free to speak out.” Many autistic individuals in the study preferred online spaces or video games for socializing opposed to in-person, as they reduce sensory overload and allow for more controlled interactions. With this, we found value in the use of social media for autistic adolescents to be able to strengthen and build social relationships.
Beyond social media, we mentioned some alternative formats to support autistic individuals in developing social skills. We discussed some of the initiatives we have seen, which involved robots that guided interactions and augmented reality that simulating es real conversations. These sought to provide safe, structured environments for communication practice for autistic adolescents. Some of our team questioned whether online interactions should be seen as a complement rather than a supplement for face-to-face engagement. This brought up the idea that we may be able to use this online socialization as a scaffold for more productive in-person opportunities, like playing Roblox with friends in the same physical space instead of playing solely online.
We additionally analyzed discussed how online and in-person interactions operate under different social rules. While digital spaces provide vital opportunities for autistic individuals to connect, they don’t always translate seamlessly to real-world relationships. The goal may not be to replace one with the other but to find ways to integrate both, ensuring that autistic individuals have access to meaningful, enjoyable social experiences—online and offline.

Another project coordinator, Ashlan, discussed the idea of establishing relationships with these communities through serving them directly where we can. This brings up a more natural and fluid recruitment pipeline that is more likely to benefit the community as well as our research. She suggested ideas such as volunteering at food banks, where people receive resources or other assistance and providing clinical services when possible. Volunteering at community events allows us to establish relationships with specific communities not typically contacted in research recruitment which allows us to expand our neuroimaging demographics for better comprehensive understanding of the brain while supporting the community and giving back.

Overall, this discussion emphasized the importance of how research labs can establish relationships instead of simply obtaining data in underrepresented communities in neuroimaging. Members in this discussion concluded that we must thoughtfully consider the tangible value of the work we do to the broader community. By implementing the strategies we have discussed, we can work towards becoming a more impactful lab that serves the diverse populations of our community. Challenges do remain, but this discussion opens a path forward for building stronger connections in the future.