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  David Mrazek, M.D.

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  Biography of

  David Mrazek, M.D.

  David Mrazek, M.D.

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  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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• Dec. 23, 2009

  Managing depression during the holidays

  By David Mrazek, M.D.

For some, the holidays are an especially difficult time. For others, this is a joyous time of year.

Need more help?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room Call your physician, health provider or clergy National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Holiday depression — and depression in general — challenges even the most optimistic people. Although it may be difficult, promise yourself that you will commit to having a positive attitude. If you're feeling depressed during the holidays, do the following for yourself: (this will take practice)

• Do the best you can. (perfection is not attainable)
• Give yourself the gift of positive self talk (don't repeat negative message from the past that are not true)
• Truly believe in yourself, including your goodness and self-worth
• Accept that life is not perfect. Injustices and suffering occur. It is normal at times to feel angry and to grieve. Get help on how to manage these feelings.

Depression can literally strip away self-esteem and the hope that things can get better. Depression can cause you to think in a very negative manner. But don't get discouraged. Get the help you deserve today. Share with us any tips you use on getting through holiday depression.

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• See Also

Hand Scheduled
Section Focus
• Depression: Supporting a family member or friend
• Support groups: Make connections, get help
• Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness
• Postpartum depression

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• Depression blog
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Atypical depression
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