A Guide to Facing and Understanding the Beast Within
Face Depression Head-On
One of the most powerful quotes about depression comes from Dr. R.W. Shepherd:
“If depression is creeping up and must be faced, learn something about the nature of the beast: You may escape without a mauling.”
This may sound blunt, but it delivers an essential truth: Avoiding depression doesn’t make it go away. Understanding it might.
We tend to tiptoe around despair because of the pain, fear, and confusion it causes. But knowledge is power. By studying depression—its causes, patterns, and triggers—you take the first step toward healing.
What Is Depression, Really?
Depression isn’t just “sadness” or “moodiness.” It’s a clinical condition caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, influenced by genetics, environment, stress, and lifestyle.
What you eat, drink, and how you live—all play a role in your emotional well-being. Even though depression feels overwhelming and mysterious, it’s not untouchable. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can fight it.
Start with Self-Education
The best time to prepare for depression is before it strikes.
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Read books and articles about mental health.
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Keep a journal of strategies and reminders that work for you.
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Practice positive thinking habits when you’re in a more balanced state.
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Identify your triggers and early warning signs.
This preparation builds a mental shield that helps when the dark days return.
Adapt to the Emotional Weather
We can’t control the seasons—but we can dress for the cold. Similarly, you might not stop depression from visiting, but you can equip yourself to face it.
Think of depression like a storm:
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Don’t fear it.
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Learn its patterns.
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Know how to find shelter.
Facts lead to action, and action leads to healing.
Reclaim Your Mind
When you’re lost in the fog of depression and thinking about giving up, pause. Remind yourself:
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You are amazing, even when you feel broken.
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You are stronger than your darkest thoughts.
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You have the right to fight for your joy.
Simple acts like listening to your favorite music, taking a walk, or talking to a trusted friend can lift your spirit more than you think. Music, especially, has the power to shift your mood—its rhythm and melody touch parts of your brain that words can’t.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
If the feelings of despair won’t go away, and you find yourself struggling just to hold it together, please remember:
You’re not alone, and help is always available.
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Talk to someone you trust.
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Reach out to a therapist or counselor.
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Visit a medical professional or local clinic.
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Call a mental health support line.
Asking for help is not a weakness—it’s strength in action.
Final Thought
You can stop the spiral of depression.
You can rise, even when you feel like disappearing.
Fight it with love, knowledge, and understanding.
Start now. Not tomorrow. Not later. Right now.
I hate to hear about people struggling with depression. I hope everyone gets the help they need.
This is good information. I like the way you compared depression with the weather. It’s true that once we understand it, it will be easier for us to approach it.
Depression…there is that word again. A horrible, horrible word that can cause so much havoc.
Sometimes medication is needed to get over the hurdle. I find that sunshine and exercise help with my depression.
So many people deal with depression and think it is a character flaw when it is simply chemistry. Thankfully there are things you can do to lessen its effects.
These are some really helpful ideas. I like the idea of studying up when you come out of a bout of depression.
I think it is important to try and see what triggers bouts of depression and try to eliminate them, even if its family.
This is easier said that done, that being said I have never truly ever had to battle depression. I pray for those who are.
Depression is a tough mental illness to battle, it can get the best of you in a matter of minutes. It would be nice to be able to suppress it. I guess it all depends on the person, for some music helps calm them down, but there are others that would rather meditate, etc.
I know someone who could really use this but his depression has caused him to cut off almost everyone from his life. Depression is something that really needs more attention
So sad …don’t give up on him.
Depression is not something you can treat nor can you be cured. It is a state of mind however and it can be dealt but there will always be a part of you that is susceptible to depression.
Awareness has definitely evolved. I’m sure we could do even better, it’s nice that you’re helping to get the word out
Depression is really hard to deal with if you don’t have the right help. Hope I never have to deal with it.
Depression nowadays become the most common problem of every human being. Its hard to avoid but with the help of your love one you can at least lessen it. I hope people realize the medicine offered in the market is not healthy. You should seek help from others talk to someone and be involve to nature.
I absolutely love that quote! I’ve dealt with my bouts of depression, but like the quote said, you can make it through without being done in by it!
Teenage depression is definitely not fun. We pretty much try to deal with it and confront it with ours. It’s the most effective we have!
I know a person who struggles with depression and it’s sad to see. He gets really down and I’ve tried talking him into seeing someone about it because he can’t seem to deal with it on his own.
Those bad thoughts can lead to such a slippery slope. I suffer with depression and even though I’m on medication I have to try very hard to keep these bad thoughts out of my head. I think it’s a common misconception that the medication cures everything!
i have never been in that situation but I have a friend who suffer from it and well.. Im going to share this with him to see how it works
Great information. I think realizing early on the signs and feelings of depression can help.
Doran its a good idea to learn the sign of depression especially teens. Share with other parents.
I get mad when my hubby feel depress 🙁 I keep on reminding him that some people have serious problem more than him but still enjoy life.
He can’t help it Jessica try to be more patient with your hubby.
These are really helpful ideas. Depression is something serious and sometimes people do not even know that they are depressed.
Depression is a deep and confusing problems of people, nowadays teenagers suffers from it a lot. Peer pressure and low self-esteem can really put down a person. I just recently talked to one and I refer him to our guidance councilor to extend the help.
Thanks for this post. I am under some kind of this feeling and I wanted to fight it!
The first person I knew of with depression is a good friend of mine. I didn’t understand it then. So happy that it’s being talked about more openly. Tiptoeing around it was getting us nowhere.
I suffer with depression, and when i feel like a bad day is coming on. I just stop everything and take a bit of time out for myself. I will have relaxing baths and read, this helps be to not fall deeper into it
It is true that we tend to avoid, tip toe around depression and even people who are suffering with it because it can be such a sad thing. It seems like a much better way to understand and get through it if we take the time to understand it better.
This is great information! I like the way you compared depression with the weather. Such a powerful visual!
The title of your post is very misleading. I absolutely agree with your coping techniques (it’s how I’ve coped over the years) your title says “now.” It is not an immediate solution but one that took years to learn. I still don’t feel I’ve mastered it.
Not my intention to mislead anyone. But often people who are not struggling. Think feelings of depression can be stop now.Thanks for your imput.
Depression can happen to anyone at anytime. It is really hard sometimes to pinpoint a solution, but I hope that it is out there for everyone!
Depression can happen to anyone and is sometimes unavoidable but we can help those who struggle with depression!
We can stop the feeling of depression with the support of our loved ones and friends.