(Updated on September 7, 2023)
Last year, HelperChoice conducted a survey with Enrich HK to study how pandemic affected foreign migrant domestic helpers in Hong Kong. The result showed that 3 out of 10 domestic workers were in urgent financial and emotional support in the fifth wave (read the detailed report in this article). The importance of mental health cannot be overstated, as it profoundly affects every aspect of an individual’s life, from their emotional well-being to their physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Mental Health Resources For Domestic Helpers
1. MindHK
Mind HK is a mental health charity that promotes mental health awareness through extensive online resources (self-help articles included) and outreaching activities and campaigns. Their website: https://www.mind.org.hk/about-us/#
2. Open Up
Open Up is an online chat room providing 24/7 peer support listening to individuals’ emotional distress, which may be resulted of stress at work, family or relationship issues. It is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Its service targets at young people aged from 11-35 years old and aims to help individuals vent out their stress and negative emotions.
The contact details are as follows:
Website: www.openup.hk
Facebook / Instagram: hkopenup
WhatsApp / SMS: 91012012
3. Joyful (Mental Health) Foundation
This organisation promotes comprehensive mental health related services, including emotional support hotline and counselling etc. Here are the services they can provide:
i) Emotional Support Hotline Services
To provide hotline services which give information about mood disorders and access to clinical services for those in need.
Hotline:2301 2303
ii) Professional Counseling Services
To provide Face-to-Face counseling by experienced counselors and assist those in need to seek appropriate solutions. Application are suitable for all age, income and asset tests and referral are not required for application. To register, please dial 2301 2303. We would receive administration fee of $300 for each session to subsidize the counsellors and part of the administration cost.
iii) Peer Group Support
More info on their website: https://en.jmhf.org/service
4. Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW)
There are 15 ICCMW across 18 districts in Hong Kong and implemented by the Social Welfare Department. ICCMW provides one-stop, district-based and accessible community support and social rehabilitation services ranging from early prevention to risk management for persons in mental recovery, persons with suspected mental health problems, their families / carers and residents living in the serving district through a single-entry point. The application is free of charge. Their services include peer support, clinical psychological service, public education programs on mental health, social and recreational activities and so on.
Learn more: https://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_rehab/sub_listofserv/id_supportcom/id_iccmw/
5. HELP for Domestic Workers
It is a non-profit organisation aims to empower migrant domestic workers to access justice and receive fair and equal treatment in Hong Kong. Its MeHeal Programme provides both domestic workers education about mental health, 1-on-1 and group counselling serevice and facilitate them to find more mental health support and resourcse.
Their website: https://helpfordomesticworkers.org/en/about-help-for-domestic-workers/our-programmes/
6. HelperChoice
HelperChoice is an ethical maid agency that prioritises the well-being and employment benefits of foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. Apart from regular free yoga classes for their domestic helpers community group, HelperChoice and Zubin Foundation will co-host a webinar regarding mental health awareness for domestic helpers. Please follow HelperChoice FB page and stay tuned!
Contact HelperChoice: https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=85258014645
The Warning Symptoms Of Mental Health
Recognizing the warning signs of mental health issues is crucial for early intervention and seeking appropriate support. Keep in mind that everyone is different, and the presence of these signs does not necessarily indicate a specific mental health disorder. However, if you notice these signs persisting over time and impacting daily functioning, it’s important to consider seeking professional help. Here are some common warning signs of mental health issues:
1. Drastic Mood Changes:
- Rapid or extreme shifts in mood, such as going from very happy to very sad.
- Prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
- Irritability, anger, or frequent outbursts.
2. Social Withdrawal:
- Isolating oneself from friends, family, and social activities that were previously enjoyable.
- Decline in communication and reluctance to engage in conversations.
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns:
- Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) or sleeping excessively.
- Frequent nightmares or disturbing dreams.
4. Changes in Appetite and Weight:
- Significant weight loss or gain without intentional changes in diet or exercise.
- Loss of appetite or excessive overeating.
5. Loss of Interest:
- Losing interest in activities, hobbies, or interests that were previously engaging.
- Feeling a general lack of enthusiasm about life.
6. Fatigue and Low Energy:
- Persistent feelings of tiredness, lack of energy, and difficulty completing daily tasks.
- Decreased motivation to engage in activities.
7. Physical Symptoms:
- Unexplained aches and pains, headaches, digestive problems, and other physical symptoms without a clear medical cause.
8. Difficulty Concentrating:
- Inability to focus, make decisions, or remember things.
- Trouble completing tasks and feeling easily distracted.
9. Increased Risk-Taking:
- Engaging in reckless behavior, substance abuse, or other risky activities.
- Displaying a disregard for personal safety.
10. Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness:
- Excessive feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness.
- Believing that you’re a burden to others or that you’re unworthy of help.
11. Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm:
- Talking about wanting to die, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or making explicit threats of self-harm.
- Engaging in self-harming behaviors.
(In this case, please immediately contact a mental health crisis line or emergency cases.)
12. Changes in Hygiene and Self-Care:
- Neglecting personal hygiene and appearance.
- A decline in taking care of oneself and living environment.
13. Intense Anxiety or Panic:
- Frequent and intense feelings of worry, fear, or panic.
- Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, and trembling.
14. Unusual Beliefs or Behaviors:
- Expressing beliefs or engaging in behaviors that seem unusual, paranoid, or disconnected from reality.
- Hearing voices or experiencing hallucinations.
It’s important to remember that these warning signs can vary depending on the specific mental health condition. If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these signs and they are impacting daily life, seeking professional help from a mental health provider, counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist is recommended. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can lead to better outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges. If there is an immediate risk of harm to oneself or others, it’s crucial to seek help urgently by contacting a mental health crisis line or emergency cases.
Mental Health Awareness For Domestic Helpers
Raising mental health awareness for domestic helpers in Hong Kong is an important and compassionate endeavor. Domestic helpers often face unique challenges due to their work environment and the separation from their families and support systems. Here are some steps that can be taken to promote mental health awareness among domestic helpers in Hong Kong:
- Education and Workshops: Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions focused on mental health awareness, stress management, and self-care. These can provide valuable information about recognizing signs of mental distress and learning coping strategies.
- Accessible Resources: Provide easily accessible resources in multiple languages that offer information on mental health, where to seek help, and what support is available. Utilize websites, pamphlets, and community centers to distribute this information.
- Stress Management: Offer training on stress management techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and physical activities like yoga. These tools can help them manage stress and improve their overall well-being.
- Empowerment and Self-Care: Teach domestic helpers about the importance of self-care and how to incorporate it into their routines. Encourage them to engage in activities that bring them joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment.
- Regular Check-ins: Encourage employers to have regular check-ins with their domestic helpers to create an open and supportive communication channel. This can help identify any potential mental health concerns early on.
Foreign Migrant Domestic Workers’ Mental Health Being Overlooked
The mental health of foreign domestic workers is often overlooked due to a combination of social, cultural, economic, and systemic factors. Several reasons contribute to this oversight:
- Lack of Awareness and Education: There is often limited awareness and education about mental health issues, particularly among employers and the general public. This lack of understanding can lead to mental health concerns being dismissed or misunderstood.
- Stigma and Cultural Beliefs: Mental health stigma is prevalent in many societies. In some cultures, discussing mental health issues is considered taboo or a sign of weakness. This stigma can prevent foreign domestic workers from seeking help or openly discussing their struggles.
- Focus on Work Performance: Foreign domestic workers are primarily employed for caregiving and household duties. Employers may prioritize their work performance over their mental well-being, assuming that as long as the tasks are completed, mental health concerns are not relevant.
- Isolation and Lack of Support Networks: Foreign migrant domestic workers (mdws) often live with their employers and may lack opportunities to build support networks outside of work. This isolation can make it difficult for them to access resources and support for their mental health.
- Language Barriers: Communication challenges due to language differences can hinder foreign migrant domestic workers (mdws) from expressing their mental health concerns to employers or seeking help from local mental health services.
- Lack Of Trust: The lack of trust between employers and domestic workers can make it challenging for the latter to voice their mental health needs. Fear of losing their job or facing repercussions can deter them from seeking assistance or supporters.
- Limited Access to Healthcare: Not all employers can provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to their foreign domestic worker (mdw), making it difficult for them to access mental health care or counseling.
- Workload and Rest Days: Long working hours and limited rest days can contribute to exhaustion and stress, which can negatively impact foreign migrant domestic workers’ mental health. The focus on work duties may overshadow the need for self-care and relaxation.
Employers, governments, NGOs, and society at large should work together to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, provide accessible mental health care, ensure fair labor practices, and promote culturally sensitive care for foreign migrant domestic workers (mdws) in Hong Kong.
You might also be interested in:
- Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids
- How To Hire A Domestic Helper Online?
- 10 Tips To Help Your Helpers Deal With Emotional Distress
- Relieve Shoulder Pain: Effective Stretching Exercises for Domestic Helpers
- Relieve Sciatic Pain: Effective Stretching Exercises for Domestic Helpers
Find A Domestic Helper In Hong Kong | HelperChoice | An Ethical Maid Agency
About HelperChoice
HelperChoice is a reputable maid agency that holds a valid license approved by the Labour Department Hong Kong. The agency offers an online platform for direct hiring of domestic helpers and facilitates visa processing service specifically for Filipino maids. With a vast network, HelperChoice has successfully served over 75,000 employers in Hong Kong and Singapore, providing employers access to a pool of more than 20,000 domestic worker profiles. The agency maintains collaborative partnerships with local NGOs, including Enrich Hong Kong, Help For Domestic Workers, and PathFinders, organizing workshops and webinars to support the welling being and the employment rights of foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.
Contract And Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids
Employers are required to renew the employment contract and visa for foreign domestic helpers every two years at the Immigration Department and the respective Consulate. If you need assistance with processing the contract and visa for a Filipino maid, you can reach out to the HelperChoice team via Whatsapp. Normally, the visa renewal takes around two weeks to complete. Most visa processing packages include a mandatory two-year insurance coverage for domestic workers. For more info, pleasecontact us via Whatsapp.
See also: Visa Processing Service For Filipino Domestic Workers
Did You Know?
Premium Members (members who subscribed to the paid service on HelperChoice platform) can get a 10% discount on visa process service, including both local hire and overseas hire. Register now!