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

This is a one of a kind book about depression, that is not depressing and is truly for all ages and walks of life. The authentic and non-clinical nature of this book approaches depression in an empathetic and easy to read fashion. Originally, Cait kept a journal about her struggle with depression as a way to communicate with her family and friends about how she was feeling. And as she recovered and moved through her journey, her journal became an inspiring and educational story which then became a published book. It is also a wonderful tool for teachers and therapists, as well as for parents or caretakers who are helping someone who is suffering from depression. 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, sought help, and successfully made the long, arduous climb back to good health. This powerful book, now updated and elaborated on, shares an inspirational message with all who are waging their own battles with depression: There is a way out.

About the Author :
Cait Irwin is a professional artist as well as a published author, entrepreneur, naturalist, and world traveler. Being an artist and having a deep connection with the natural world have always been two major constants in her life. Her artwork is prolific, spanning a wide spectrum of mediums, styles, and subject matter. From murals to sculpture, she does it all! At age fourteen Cait wrote and illustrated "Conquering the Beast Within," a memoir about her personal experience with severe depression (Published by Times Books 1999). During that time, she also started her first art business called "Reality Impaired." In her own way, she was rebelling against a culture that says that being an artist is an unrealistic career path. In 2004 she co-authored a follow up book called "Monochrome Days." (Published by Oxford University Press) Cait toured extensively to promote her books and was the keynote speaker for numerous events focusing on mental health, the healing power of art and self-expression and recovery. She graduated from Northland College in 2003 with a bachelors in Studio Art, emphasizing on Environmental Studies/Native American Studies. Currently, Cait is the owner of Irwin Artworks LLC and is in her 10th year of operation and is based in Southwest Iowa. Her company showcases her work, ranging from large murals and illustration projects to sculptures made from recycled materials. She has also established a strong online presence where she sells a large amount of her work. Cait also travels to a variety of established Artist residencies as well as designing her own. She is constantly gathering inspiration from the world around her and is always on the lookout for new projects with new challenges. See more of her work at Irwinartworks.com. Cait also sells a high volume of original art as well as prints through her Etsy shop at irwinartworks.etsy.com.

Review :
Praise for Random House Conquering the Beast Within, How I fought depression and won...and how you can, too "A Marvelous and original book. The author's eloquence is matched by her powerful drawings, and together they make an extraordinary book about depression." -Kay Redfield Jamison, bestselling author of Night Falls Fast and An Unquiet Mind "Cait Irwin has written an extraordinary book, for young people, old people, for anyone who is suffering from depression or knows someone who is.... Ms. Irwin stretches a hand across the abyss and leads us safely home. Bravo! Read it now!" -Danielle Steel, author of numerous best sellers including His Bright Light, the story of her son's battle with manic depression "Reading this book, I had conflicting feelings---of admiration at Cait's artistic accomplishment, and envy that someone so young could be so wise. If you know a young adult who is engaged in a serious struggle with the Beast, he or she needs this book." -Tracey Thompson, author of the Beast: A Journey Through Depression " Cait's vivid recounting of her successful struggle with depression offers hope and encouragement to everyone fighting a mental illness." -Rosalynn Carter, author of Helping Someone with Mental Illness "In offering readers a vivid image, Cait Irwin allows those with depression not to feel defined by their disorder. A book for people of all ages, it paints the isolation, fear, and misunderstanding of mental illness in provoking and recognizable strokes. A work of compassion and hope." -Laurie Flynn, executive director, NAMI -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Praise for book: Self-published "Depression, Challenge the Beast within Yourself and Win. "I was utterly charmed by this wonderful little book-and deeply moved. Her words and drawings leap off the page and make you care. And, as is if that weren't enough, the information is comprehensive and balanced." -Fredrick K Goodwin, M.D. Professor of Psychiatry at the George Washington University, and former director of the National institute of Mental Health "In Offering readers a vivid image Cait Irwin allows those with depression to not feel defined by their disorder. A book for those of all ages, it paints the isolation, fear and misunderstanding of mental illness in provoking and recognizable strokes. A work of compassion and hope." -Laurie Flynn, Executive Director, NAMI "Cait Irwin's direct and honest portrayal of her teenage challenge with depression is a most significant contribution to the field of mental health. It is a book certain to speak to young people and their families who are confronting the devastating effects of this illness." -Ione Jenson, author of Emerging Women, and Women Alone. "Cait Irwin's book should find a ready acceptance in the corporate world especially among managers and personnel officers. Many employers are reluctant to seek help from professionals for fear of being seen as "unable to cope with their problems." Her book deals straightforwardly with depression in a compassionate manner and speaks to why mental and emotional illnesses should be accepted and treated like any other illness." -Bill Meyer, Ph.D. retired CEO Int'l Psychological Consulting Firm "It's an inspiring and thought-provoking book. Cait's spirit and wisdom will help thousands of others. I don't recall ever reading a better publication on depression." -Stan Maliszeski Ph.D., Head of Guidance and Counseling- Omaha Public Schools "This book is the most wonderful therapeutic tool for understanding and giving insight into depression that I have seen in my ten years of working with children and adolescents." -Jeff Loeb MA, L.P.C., L.M.F.T Children's Medical Center, Tulsa, OK Praise for Monochrome Days "Cait Irwin provides a wonderfully clear-eyed and brave look at depression in teenagers....Without melodrama or self-pity, she takes us through the whole experience, and shows how medication, therapy, love and the creative spark can combine to heal a ravaged mind." -Tracy Thompson, author of The Beast: A Journey Through Depression. "An honest, helpful, and hopeful account of one teen's journey from pain to promise. Monochrome Days takes the mystery out of depression and provides real guidance to teens who may struggle with this illness, as well as to their friends and families." -Jerry Reed, M.S.W, . Executive Director, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA "No One can understand the mind of a young adult better than a young adult herself. In Monochrome Days, Irwin uses personal experience and professional insight to arm teens with the tools they need to conquer the beast of depression. The book includes information about the thoughts and feeling teens are experiencing or see their friends experiencing, with suggestions as how to talk to parents and other trusted loved ones. By conveying this information by telling her own story, Irwin arms young adults with the most important knowledge of all: that through it all, they are not alone. "With so many teens facing challenges to their mental health every day, this book is a must read for all teenagers and the adults that love them." -Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director, Active Minds, Inc. " This book is of great value to people of all ages--however, particularly to adolescents. Cait skillfully manages to make 'fear of the unknown'--so often experienced by teens when diagnosed with depression and other mental illnesses--a non-issue. This book leaves no stone unturned. While sharing her story, Cait quite effectively combats the stigma and misconceptions so often associated with mental illness, especially for teens. She shows that depression is a real illness with mental, emotional, and physical implications and conveys the enormous importance of early diagnosis and treatment." -Darcy Gruttadaro, J.D., Director, NAMI Child and Adolescent Action Center