Simply a depression? Yes a depression.
something worse? Yes something worse.

Second, we can't stop it or flee it.
True, you can not stop it.


Is there anything we CAN do to make the best of it?

In a depression is is no such thing as
"making the best of it".
That is why it is called a depression.

But I do understand your question.
You are asking what kind of preparations to make.

That all depends upon where you live.

If you get the knowledge on how to live alone by yourself
"Reader's digest - Back to Basic's" ... other books and skills ...and you have the time to do so ... then you can prepare.