Conquering the Beast Within

A unique,original, and authentic book about depression, that is not depressing!

Cait Irwin wrote and illustrated her timeless personal story in 1994 when she was a teenager and was later published during her college years.  Her words and drawings are even more poignant now as authentic human connection seems to be harder to find.  Aligning with the intention of using her creative abilities to understand her own situation and to help others, she has republished her original book as is, along with new expanded content. This unique book shares a message with all who are waging their own battles with depression: There is a way out.

Previous Praise for the original Conquering the Beast Within

“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

“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

“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.”

-Tracy 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

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 to include insights as an adult dealing with depression, shares an inspirational message with all who are waging their own battles with depression: There is a way out.

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 1997, Cait was featured in the book "Emerging Women." She was the youngest woman profiled in that volume of work. 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.