Hello friends!

I am Katie Parr--a sophomore Applied Learning and Development (Elementary Education) major here at the University of Texas. I plan to be a reading specialist, and hope to teach second grade. I love wildflowers, kitties, the fine arts, and children.

I have known Melissa--my friend with clinical depression--for four years, since my sophomore year in high school. I know that she is a very talented actress and backstage technician. I know that she is a very faithful person, devoted to her friends and family. I know she is a hard worker and an inspiring young lady.

Depression is my topic of choice because I want to further educate people about this disease. I have seen the torment my friend has been through because people just don't understand. Awareness is the key; being aware of the sensitivities of others is most important.

A depressed person is not always confined to a hospital bed. A depressed person does not always need medicine to be on top of things. These things, and more, I want you to realize. Depression can be overcome.

Hi! My name is Amy Williams. I am a Senior majoring in Advertising at The University of Texas at Austin. Before graduating in May, I have been given the assignment to create a web site pertaining to the New U.S. Generation. I chose to focus on Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America. This book was assigned reading for my English 309 class. I chose Wurtzel's book and the topic of depression because of the reactions different people in my life had to my reading Prozac Nation. Typical responses from my hairdresser, roommate, and friends went like this: "Why are you reading that book? Are you depressed or something? Are YOU taking Prozac - you know that it makes people have multiple personalities!" Well, if I was depressed I doubt that these types of reactions would help me much. I gather that most people really don't understand depression and the benefits of such antidepressants as Prozac. The goal of this web site is to educate you and help you understand depression.