- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
David Mrazek, M.D.
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David Mrazek, M.D.
David Mrazek, M.D.
Dr. David A. Mrazek is chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and a professor of psychiatry at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. Dr. Mrazek has developed a federally funded psychiatric pharmacogenomics research program and implemented clinical psychiatric pharmacogenomics services at Mayo Clinic.
He has received numerous awards including the Award for Creativity in Psychiatric Education from the American College of Psychiatrists and the Agnes Purcell McGavin Award for Distinguished Career Achievement in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from the American Psychiatric Association. He currently serves as chairman of the board of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Mrazek has focused his current efforts on using pharmacogenomics testing to improve clinical care. One of his specific goals is to decrease the risks of taking psychiatric medications.
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Depression blog
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Dec. 20, 2008
Managing the holiday blues
By David Mrazek, M.D.
The holidays can be the best time of the year for some people and the worst time of the year for others.
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We all know people who say they "dread" the holidays. The holiday blues should not be confused with seasonal affective disorder that we talked about a couple of weeks ago. The holiday blues refers to specific feelings and symptoms that can mimic depression such as:
- Depressed mood
- Decreased interest in life activities normally enjoyed such as social gatherings, shopping, cooking, hobbies
- Feeling overhwhelmed
- Irritability
- Fatigue, feeling drained physically and emotionally
- Sleep or appetite disturbances
- Anxiety, feeling nervous, edgy or "keyed up"
- Excessive guilt
What causes the holiday blues?
- Burning the candle at both ends
- Putting pressure on ourselves to have everything done today, and done perfectly
- Not following our normal eating and sleeping routines
- Using more alcohol
- Getting together with family can be difficult when discord or unresolved issues exist
- Unpleasant memories or experiences from prior holidays
- Financial pressures and expectations of buying gifts
What are some solutions?
- Keep a regular sleep schedule as much as possible
- Try to maintain a healthy balanced diet amidst the cookies, eggnog and other goodies
- Limit alcohol intake (it may make you fall asleep easier, but disrupts the quality of sleep overall)
- Take medications as prescribed
- Make sure to schedule alone time to feed your mind, spirit, and body
- Maintain your exercise routine
- Don't strive for perfection, rather do the best you can and ask for help from others
- Limit time at gatherings if needed
Do you have any other observations about the holiday blues, and tips for managing this stressful time?
Have a happy, peaceful holiday season.
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