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
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!
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