I've been buying school supplies galore, picking out new lunch boxes, ordering new winter coats online for my 3 girls -- you know the drill. Getting the kids ready a new year of school.

While I am highly anticipating their return to the classroom, there are many others out there who are actually in a low place when this time comes around. Let's take a look at who I'm talking about...

1. Children - There are children who are sad to see a summer go, who are bored by school or the structure of school, and then there are those children who become depressed around this time of year for more serious reasons. If that sounds like your child, make sure that they are not being physically abused by someone at the school, bullied, teased, or if there is a serious issue with a teacher at the school. If your child demonstrates some of the classic signs of depression around this time of year -- then I would take those seriously and seek a consultation with a mental health professional in your area.

2. Parents - If you are starting to feel a sense of dread, a lack of enthusiasm, and are a bit lethargic when you think about getting your own children ready for a new school year. You need to take a good hard look at what may be going on with you. Perhaps you are feeling as if your children are growing up too quickly. Maybe you feel isolated and alone when your children are back in school/college. Or perhaps you are overwhelmed with the "everyday routine" when your children are in school.

Again - if this sounds like how you are feeling right now, it would be great if you make a call today to a professional you trust to talk out those feelings and see what you could do to feel much better about this time in your life.

3. College Students - Did you know that college-aged students are more likely to experience depression more than any other age group? So if you are feeling depressed - you are not alone. That is for sure. That's why it is so important that you seek out the free counseling services that your university most likely provides as part of your tuition package. Your records are completely confidential and you will probably work with counselors who are closer to your age and are in a Ph.d. program -- which is great because they can more easily identify with your stage of life and some of the issues you may possibly be dealing with.

*Tip: I am always asked how someone should go about finding a good therapist in their area, especially when it's for their child(ren). And I always suggest you should start with a referral from your family physician. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, he or she will recommend someone who they have heard or that they know is an excellent professional in the area. They are always a great place to start with.

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Lisa Angelettie, "GirlShrink" is an online advice authority. Her site GirlShrink.com is the #1 "Advice & Counseling" site on the web and contributing author of "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life". Instantly get a FREE Bonus when you sign up for her free Better Choices Ezine. Please visit us for more discussion on this topic in the depression forum to talk about it further. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for topics in the news, new articles, website & book reviews, and other useful mental health resources. Subscribe below.