Conquering the Beast Within: How I Fought Depression and Won . . . and How You Can, Too

by Cait Irwin

For anyone in the clutches of the frightening beast that is depression, this book can help. In vivid words and images, Cait Irwin shares her own compelling story: how she struggled with clinical depression at age fourteen, was hospitalized, sought therapy, found the right medication, and successfully made the long, arduous climb back to good health. This powerful volume shares an inspirational message with all who are waging their own battles with depression: There is a way out.

Genres: Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 1999

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

the art was very nice and so was the writing - it’s very good at explaining depression in an easy way.

i think i’d recommendation more to family members of someone who is depressed rather than a depressed person themselves, but as a depressed person myself i didn’t hate it

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for youth and adults alike. I read the Expanded 2nd edition published by AVI Communications, Inc. The graphics are very engaging and the messages are clear and important. Highly recommend for mental health professionals and schools to use with youth and families. I hunted several years to find it and am glad I did.

[Dey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book in my opinion. It's short but very informative. I would suggest that anyone who has a friend or family member dealing with depression to read this book. I believe it shines a whole new light on facts about depression that people either ignore or don't care to understand. If you read this book, do not miss the letters in the back of the book written by Cait's family, specially not the one from her father. The letter from her father really caught my eye because what he describes is exactly how the males I've known have acted.
Cait Irwin, bless your heart for being such an inspiration to me and many others living through the same ordeal.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful example of visual journaling. Honest, creative, artistic and expressing powerful feelings.

[Mandi Coates-rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's a great book for anyone that has ever experienced various moments of being sad and depressed.

[Rebecca Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for children and adolescents struggling with depression. I just bought this and intend to lend it to my adolescent clients who can relate.

[Wendy Lukert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to all teens and tweens that are fighting depression and also for their families as it is a good way to understand how your child is feeling.

[Joanna Bedggood]

a great book on depression, especially for teenagers