X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

OFW parents and depression: 8 ways to cope

4 min read
OFW parents and depression: 8 ways to cope

Loneliness is almost expected when you seek greener pastures to provide for your family. But there are ways to combat depression and homesickness. Read on.

It can be daunting for anyone to have to live and work without a family to come home to. Add to that the many pressures and challenges that come with having to navigate an entirely new country and culture.

Just this January 2016, four Filipino OFWs reportedly committed suicide in Hong Kong.

Three of these people allegedly took their own lives due to unpaid debts while the other one was driven by a failed relationship.

Last year, four people also committed suicide and three cases were reported in 2014.

The Philippine Consulate General disclosed to GMA news that they will be organizing various health forums in Hong Kong which will touch upon many issues, including depression and suicide. The schedules of these forums have yet to be announced.

Aside from these sessions, financial literacy trainings and seminars will also be conducted, led by the Philippine foreign office, every three months to better equip OFWs with managing their hard-earned money.

Of the 200,000 Filipinos living and working in Hong Kong, over 180,000 are household service workers.

How can OFWs deal with depression? Find out on the next page

Though sadness is a completely natural part of being human, having a solid support system in place to deal with bouts of the blues is so important, most especially if you are living and working away from your loved ones.

Though there is a difference between being clinically depressed and simply being stuck in a rut, there are ways to cope with fits of inexplicable, overwhelming sadness.

1. Sleep

Not only is it healthy for the body and mind, getting consistent rest and the right amount of sleep does wonders for managing emotions.

2.  Exercise

Even a simple 30 minutes of cardio daily can stimulate your body to release endorphins and instantly turn your day around.

3. Set realistic goals

Even the act of simply jotting down what you want to achieve can help jumpstart the good hormones. And thinking about achieving these goals helps you get excited about the future.

4. Be grateful

Complaining can result in plunging deeper into depression. So focusing on what you are grateful for can yank you out of your rut.

Try sitting down and writing 100 things you’re thankful for today; it can be as simple as having a great cup of coffee in the morning.

More depression-fighting tips on the next page 

5. Stay healthy

Keeping hydrated and getting enough sunlight are vastly underrated methods of dealing with depression.

Many cases of depression have been attributed to spending prolonged periods indoors or in cold weather.

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day doesn’t only give you a healthy glow; it also keeps you feeling good and productive.

6. Foster friendships

Partner Stories
Kilalanin ang Mga Nakakabilib na Batang May Tibay Ngayong Panahon
Kilalanin ang Mga Nakakabilib na Batang May Tibay Ngayong Panahon
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available

Make time to strengthen the ties that hold your support network together. Showing them you love them and care enough to listen intently creates a deeper bond and leaves you feeling loved and valued.

7. Read and write love letters

Both reading and writing can serve as good methods of escape and outlets by which you can express pent-up emotions that need processing.

Reading gives a sense of order to the chaos within one's mind because it opens up your way of thinking. Writing to loved ones is also a calming habit which not only fosters affection, but also peace of mind.  

8. Forgive

Keeping grudges binds you to negative feelings and resentment. This puts you in a place where happiness cannot find you.

Stepping out of this cycle of unforgiveness can help you banish depression and begin anew.

The best fix is, of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones. Always focus on the bigger picture. Though you may have to sacrifice now, knowing that this will all lead to a better future for the ones you love will make it all worth it.

READ: OFW tips for long-distance bonding with your kids!

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • OFW parents and depression: 8 ways to cope
Share:
  • 5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

    5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

  • Positive reinforcement parenting: 5 tips and things you should know

    Positive reinforcement parenting: 5 tips and things you should know

  • What is gentle parenting? 5 tips and benefits of gentle parenting

    What is gentle parenting? 5 tips and benefits of gentle parenting

  • 5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

    5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

  • Positive reinforcement parenting: 5 tips and things you should know

    Positive reinforcement parenting: 5 tips and things you should know

  • What is gentle parenting? 5 tips and benefits of gentle parenting

    What is gentle parenting? 5 tips and benefits of gentle parenting

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.