{"id":11657,"date":"2023-09-06T06:10:58","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T22:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T08:46:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T00:46:03","slug":"10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips To Help Your Helpers Deal With Emotional Distress"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>(Updated on 13 February 2026)<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#1_Practice_meditation\" >1. Practice meditation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#2_Distract_your_domestic_helper_from_stress\" >2. Distract your domestic helper from stress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#3_Get_enough_sleep\" >3. Get enough sleep<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#4_Write_a_journal\" >4. Write a journal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#5_Have_a_healthy_diet\" >5. Have a healthy diet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#6_Do_exercise\" >6. Do exercise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#7_Deep_Breathing\" >7. Deep Breathing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#8_Connect_with_others\" >8. Connect with others<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#9_Listen_to_music\" >9. Listen to music<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#10_Seek_for_counselling\" >10. Seek for counselling<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#Lead_with_Empathy_Not_Just_Authority\" >Lead with Empathy, Not Just Authority<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#Need_A_Visa_Renewal_For_Filipino_Helpers\" >Need A Visa Renewal For Filipino Helpers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#How_To_Contact_Us\" >How To Contact Us?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/10-tips-to-help-your-helpers-deal-with-emotional-distress\/#Did_You_Know\" >Did You Know?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/10-Tips-To-Help-Your-Helpers-Deal-With-Emotional-Distress.png\" alt=\"10 tips to help your helpers deal with emotional distress\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Living in a hustle city like Hong Kong, most of us have experienced stress from work, fast-paced lifestyle or relationships. There is no exception for domestic workers. Due to the cultural difference and language barrier, helpers may suffer from emotional distress. To help your helpers deal with their mental health, here are some tips for your guidance.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Practice_meditation\"><\/span>1. Practice meditation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ask your helper to sit comfortably and follow these steps:<\/p>\n<p>Sit straight. Relax shoulder and face. Gently close eyes. Focus on breathing in and breathing out and nothing else.<\/p>\n<p>This simple meditation technique may help relieve domestic workers&#8217; stress and bring their mind back to the present.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For housemaids, they may sign up <strong>FREE<\/strong> yoga class offered by<a href=\"https:\/\/www.yogacommunity.org\/project-details\/\"> Andiappan Yoga Community<\/a> (AYC), which is partnered with <a href=\"https:\/\/anahatayoga.com.hk\/\">Anahata Yoga<\/a>, a non-profit organisation offering yoga classes to people in need.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Distract_your_domestic_helper_from_stress\"><\/span>2. Distract your domestic helper from stress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You may encourage them to distract themselves from stressful situations, for examples, reading books, watching movies or hanging out with friends.<\/p>\n<p>The community group of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/info\/en\/hire-domestic-helper\">HelperChoice<\/a> is dedicated to providing domestic workers in Hong Kong <strong>FREE<\/strong> weekend activities, such as hiking, yoga classes and bakery workshops etc. We welcome all Filipino helpers and Indonesian helpers in Hong Kong to join our group. The details can be found on our social media (Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/helperchoice\">@helperchoice<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Get_enough_sleep\"><\/span>3. Get enough sleep<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If your housemaid suffers from insomnia, you may encourage them to follow a regular bedtime routine, listening to soothing music. Don\u2019t use their electronics before bed.<\/p>\n<p>According to our last year\u2019s research <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/press-centre\/survey-3-out-of-10-domestic-workers-in-urgent-financial-and-emotional-support\">&lt;&lt;3 Out of 10 Domestic Workers in Urgent Financial And Emotional Support in The Fifth Wave, Employers Rise up to Support&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>54.1% out of 546 domestic workers<\/strong> in our survey only slept for 4-6 hours per day. Adults aged from 18-60 years old need at least 7 hours of sleep for good health and well-being as suggested by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/features\/getting-enough-sleep.html\">Centers of Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> (CDC). Therefore, employers should ensure that helpers have sufficient sleeping hours every day to maintain good mental and physical health.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Write_a_journal\"><\/span>4. Write a journal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Encourage your maid to let their thoughts flow on paper. Just feel free to write anything they want. Apart from venting their frustration in the journal, you may also motivate them to write 5 positive things that make them happy and keep their mind on the bright side.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Have_a_healthy_diet\"><\/span>5. Have a healthy diet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Encourage your helper to reduce their intake of highly processed food and beverages and try to eat more whole foods such as vegetables, nuts, beans, fruits and seeds, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Do_exercise\"><\/span>6. Do exercise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If your housemaid is inactive, you may encourage them to try jogging or biking that are less strenuous. Doing exercises that they like may help them stick with the practice in the long term. There are easy hiking trails for beginners, like <a href=\"https:\/\/theculturetrip.com\/asia\/china\/hong-kong\/articles\/the-easiest-hiking-trails-in-hong-kong-for-beginners\/\">Bowen Road Fitness Trail<\/a> or the Peak. Read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/fitness-outdoors-hiking-trails-two-hours\/\">here<\/a> for more <strong>Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong<\/strong> proposed by <strong>Sassy Hong Kong<\/strong>, which can be completed <strong>within 2 hours<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Deep_Breathing\"><\/span>7. Deep Breathing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Breathing is always a good practice for calming the mind and nervous system. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Breathe in gently and regularly. Then, let it flow out without pausing or holding the breath. Keep doing this for 3 to 5 minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, helpers may try counting their breaths by 3-1-3: breath in on 3 counts, hold breath for 1 count and breath out on 3 counts. Repeat this practice several times. After continuous practice, helpers may lengthen the duration of each segment, like 4-2-4 or 5-3-5 depending on their progress and body condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Connect_with_others\"><\/span>8. Connect with others<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Encourage your maid not to isolate themselves or keep all their thoughts in mind. Ask them to connect with others like their friends and family over the phone or face-to-face.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Listen_to_music\"><\/span>9. Listen to music<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Music is a good stress reliever because it gives your helper a mental distraction. Start by searching for a playlist for stress relief. Choose light and bright music instead of heavy metal music and let helpers enjoy the me-time moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Seek_for_counselling\"><\/span>10. Seek for counselling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If the situation is getting more serious, you should encourage your helper to seek for counsellors or therapists&#8217; professional help.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For mental support, domestic helpers may reach out to <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfordomesticworkers.org\/en\/home\/\">Help For Domestic Workers<\/a>, which is a non-profit organisation in Hong Kong aiming to empower domestic helpers and support equal and fair employment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Another organisation domestic workers may contact is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zubinfoundation.org\/\">The Zubin\u2019s Foundation<\/a>, which strives for the mental health among ethnic minorities in Hong Kong and provides necessary mental support for those in need.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the past, <strong>HelperChoice<\/strong> and<strong> The Zubin\u2019s Foundation<\/strong> co-hosted a FB live for Mental Health Awareness among domestic workers in Hong Kong. You may click <a href=\"https:\/\/fb.watch\/iz61-Z_ET4\/\">here<\/a> for the replay link.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lead_with_Empathy_Not_Just_Authority\"><\/span>Lead with Empathy, Not Just Authority<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"31\">Supporting your <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"16\">domestic helper<\/b> through <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"40\">emotional distress<\/b> is about more than just managing a worker; it is about recognizing the human being who cares for your family. When you prioritize their <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"195\">mental health<\/b>, you create a culture of mutual respect and compassion that resonates throughout your home. At <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"304\">HelperChoice<\/b>, we believe that the most successful household partnerships are those built on empathy and a deep commitment to <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"429\">domestic worker welfare<\/b>. By being a supportive employer, you ensure that your helper can thrive, which ultimately allows your family to thrive as well.<\/p>\n<figure><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_A_Visa_Renewal_For_Filipino_Helpers\"><\/span>Need A Visa Renewal For Filipino Helpers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>HelperChoice team can process <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/info\/en\/direct-hire-packages\">visa renewal<\/a> for your helper. It will take<strong> around 2 weeks<\/strong> to process the visa renewal for Filipino helpers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Contact_Us\"><\/span>How To Contact Us?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you would like to enquire about how to find a domestic worker on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/domestic-helpers\/hong-kong\">HelperChoice platform<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/info\/en\/direct-hire-packages\">visa process<\/a> for your helper, please feel free to contact us via <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=85258014645\">Whatsapp<\/a> or book <a href=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/helperchoice\/direct-hire-consultation\">a 15-min consultation session<\/a> with us.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Did_You_Know\"><\/span>Did You Know?\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Premium Members<\/strong> (members who subscribed to the paid service on <strong>HelperChoice platform<\/strong>) can get <strong>a 10% discount<\/strong> on visa package service, including both<strong> local hire<\/strong> and <strong>overseas hire<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/registration\/childcare\/employer\">Register now<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/domestic-helpers\/hong-kong\">Hire A Domestic Helper In Hong Kong &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>(Updated on 13 February 2026) Living in a hustle city like Hong Kong, most of us have experienced stress from work, fast-paced lifestyle or relationships. There is no exception for domestic workers. Due to the cultural difference and language barrier, helpers may suffer from emotional distress. To help your helpers deal with their mental health, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":11658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Is your helper struggling? Discover 10 compassionate ways to help your domestic helper manage emotional distress and prioritize their mental health for a happier home.","title":"10 Tips To Help Your Helpers Deal With Emotional Distress - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[347],"class_list":["post-11657","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-post","tag-scams-disputes"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1f38c6d2-1f9d-4b15-9fc0-c238ae08209f-blogarticle-10tipstohelpyourhelpersdealwithemotionaldistress28229.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11657"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11657\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15426,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11657\/revisions\/15426"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}