Mental health in the downturn focus of Calgary Economic Development seminars

Calgary Economic Development (CED) estimates more than 20,000 workers have lost their jobs in the wake of the global oil price crash, and it's working to ensure mental health is part of the response.

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"You know that it's having a huge play on people's psyche, not to mention the fact that the people that are still working and are walking into offices that are half-filled, or you know, with 20 per cent office space vacancy, it's hard for them as well," said president and CEO of the organization Mary Moran.

CED hosted a seminaron Friday dealing with coping strategies, featuring speakers like W. Brett Wilson.

The organization will hold several more workshops in the coming weeks meantto help unemployed Calgarianswith information and tips for finding work.

"I think really seeing and realizing that there are so many people going through it [is important]," said Heather Knorr, one of about 300 people at Friday's event.

"We hear about it but to actually see that many people in a room, to know that people are also going through it with you is very powerful."

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