Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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Serving Kosciusko County and parts of Elkhart, Marshall & Noble Counties Know Your Neighbor . . . . . . . . . . 2➤ Good Neighbors . . . . . . . . . . 4 FFA Week . . . . . . . 9-11
Vol. 55, No. 34
Milford (574) 658-4111 • Warsaw (574) 269-2932 • Syracuse (574) 457-3666
SOCIAL SPORTS — Kalista Ousley of Warsaw, right, and Addysyn Wettrick, left, enjoy a Manchester University men’s basketball game in an effort to stay socially engaged. “Since it’s indoors, it’s nice to be able to stay warm but also participate in school spirit,” Ousley said. Photo by Abby Oliver.
? . D . A . S g n Feeli
114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
SOME LIGHT RE ADING — Vanelly idor reads by th z Vazquez-Texe sunlit window to increase her lig exposure. “I love ht reading during th e winter because gives an emotiona it l escape to places that I could be, an to adventures I co d uld only imagine,” said. Photo provid Vazquez-Texidor ed by Vanellyz Va zquez-Texidor.
YO U ’RE N OT A L ON E By ABBY OLIVER Staff Writer As snow piles up and cold settles over Kosciusko County, some residents face more than just winter chills - they may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression triggered by changing seasons. Seasonal affective disorder, or S.A.D., is more serious than the “winter blues” and differs from the “holiday blues,” which usually stem from seasonal stress and anxiety. Siquilla Liebetrau, vice president of clinical services at Bowen Health and a licensed clinical psychologist, explained the distinction between S.A.D. and the typical winter blues. “I think we all get a little frustrated or sad when it’s just constantly cold and gray outside, but when you have seasonal affective disorder, you meet criteria for a depression diagnosis,” Liebetrau said. “We typically look for not just the symptoms themselves, but whether they impact your ability to function in day-to-day life.” People affected by S.A.D. experience the same symptoms as those with depression, including feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, guilt and helplessness, along with additional signs such as oversleeping, overeating and social withdrawal. Individuals who already struggle with depression are more likely to develop S.A.D. than those without a history of depression.
There are two types of seasonal affective disorder: winter-pattern and summer-pattern. As their names suggest, winter-pattern S.A.D. occurs during the winter months, while summer-pattern S.A.D. can appear in the spring and summer. The exact cause of winter-pattern S.A.D. is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to vitamin D deficiency. “Vitamin D is typically generated by exposure to sunlight,” Liebetrau said. “When you don’t have that exposure, your vitamin D levels go down significantly.” During winter, S.A.D. can be compounded by decreased social engagement. April White, director of counseling services at Manchester University, said this issue can be especially pronounced for college students. “When you’re on a college campus, if you’re isolating, it’s not like you’re going home to your family and isolating there - you’re isolating in a dorm room,” White said. “Maybe you have a roommate who is present, but maybe you don’t.” Several treatments are available for both types of S.A.D.. Psychotherapy and antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression. For winter-pattern S.A.D., light therapy and vitamin D supplementation can be particularly helpful. “People can also be intentional about opening their curtains and getting outside even on overcast days,” Liebetrau said. She recommended looking for 10,000-lux light therapy
lamps to provide consistent light exposure. Liebetrau also emphasized the importance of regular exercise, consistent sleep schedules and maintaining social engagement. White added that any kind of social interaction - living, studying or working around others - can help cultivate a sense of normalcy during the winter months. “Just being in a space with other people is uplifting,” she said. “Even if you’re working individually, getting together with friends in a shared space can be beneficial.” Residents can also take advantage of winter activities with friends and family, such as attending local sports games. If it’s too cold to go outside, simply reading next to a window can help increase sunlight exposure. Local options include skating at the Miller Sunset Pavilion or sledding at Kelly Park. Indoor activities like bowling, roller skating and watching movies in theaters provide alternatives for staying active and engaged. As winter continues, experts encourage residents to remain proactive about their mental health and seek support if symptoms interfere with daily life. Maintaining social connections, prioritizing light exposure and staying physically active can help combat the challenges of seasonal affective disorder. For anyone struggling with depression or thoughts of self-harm, trained counselors are available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.