We call them our modern heroes: separated from their families by immense distances, different time zones, and unfamiliar cultures. Yet, they are the social and economic lifeline that have kept the Philippines afloat through turbulent times.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) send home more than just remittances; they carry the weight of sacrifice, loneliness, and silent mental battles.
But while the country praises their contributions, their emotional and psychological struggles are often overlooked.
A 2024 study revealed alarming rates of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress among OFWs, driven by long working hours, job insecurity, isolation, and the ache of distance from loved ones. Among Filipino seafarers, the National Maritime Polytechnic reported an increase in mental health disorders from 23 cases in 2018 to 64 in 2022. Suicide cases also rose from one to nine in the same period.
These are more than statistics—they are quiet signals of a workforce in distress.
For many, seeking help is simply not an option. Stigma, lack of access, and fear of losing employment prevent OFWs from reaching out since mental health support in host countries is often inaccessible or culturally unfamiliar.
Most endure quietly, afraid that speaking up may come at a cost.
The emotional toll is even heavier for those who face abuse at the hands of their employers. A study among Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong showed that more than one in five experienced physical abuse; one in three faced verbal abuse, while those who did not report their abuse showed higher levels of depression.
Another study found PTSD, paranoia, and panic attacks to be prevalent among OFWs in countries such as Macau, Qatar, and China—conditions closely tied to isolation, maltreatment, and fear.
Yet many suffer in silence, either unable or unwilling to speak up due to fear, shame, or lack of support systems abroad.
The burden extends beyond borders. Families left behind—especially children—often struggle with emotional instability, behavioral challenges, and long-term psychological impact. Spouses face the daily pressures of parenting and household management alone, often without support systems of their own.
Some government interventions exist, such as the Department of Migrant Workers, pre-departure counseling, and limited psychosocial services, but much of it remains fragmented and out of reach. Experts continue to push for pre-deployment mental health screening, wider telepsychiatry access, and family-focused support at home.
With this rise in the perils our modern heroes face, there is a growing need for programs and support systems to aid our modern heroes.
