Name: Ian MacLean

Occupation: Illustrator/Educator

Advocate: Where in Kawarthas Lakes do you live and for how long? 

MacLean: Lindsay, since 2011

Advocate:  What stresses do you think people are facing in today’s economy? Why?

MacLean: The cost of living has ballooned since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by corporate greed and stretching thin the finances of the average citizen. Groceries have effectively doubled in cost, utility prices have increased, and services are downgraded and made more expensive on a regular basis. Leisure and comfort activities have to be set aside to afford necessities. 

Advocate: Do you think that mental health resources are easy to find in the community?

MacLean: These resources are poorly advertised and their web presentation is often bare-bones or offers inadequate description of the types of services available or how to access them. Word of mouth also speaks poorly of the quality of services locally available.

Advocate:  What do you do when you are having a 'bad day'? How do you blow of the steam?

MacLean: When I'm particularly stressed I will walk the city to give myself time to think, or I will immerse myself in hobbies (gaming or painting) to turn off the noisy parts of my brain.