Narratives of Hope: Meaning-making and Resilience among Filipino Migrant Workers Recovering from Depression

Abstract

Background: Mental illness is the third most common disability in the Philippines. Millions of Overseas Filipino Workers constitute a significant portion of the global workforce, with their remittances forming a crucial pillar of the Philippine economy. Recent studies highlight the heightened vulnerability of migrant workers to mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and severe psychological distress. Purpose: This study explores how Filipino migrant workers (FMWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who are recovering from depression construct narratives of hope, engage in meaning-making, and cultivate resilience. Methods: A narrative-phenomenological qualitative inquiry was employed. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 FMWs in the UAE who self-identified as being in recovery from a depressive episode. Data were analysed using a combination of thematic and narrative analysis. Findings: The analysis revealed six core themes that constitute the recovery journey: (1) The Descent: Narrating the 'Shattering of Self'; (2) 'Pakikipagkapwa' Reimagined: Forging Lifelines in a Foreign Land; (3) Faith as an Anchor: Divine Narratives and Spiritual Re-framing; (4) The 'Bayani' (Hero) Identity: Re-authoring Sacrifice into Purpose; (5) Finding Agency in Adversity: Small Wins and Future-Oriented Stories; and (6) The Emergent Self: Integrating Scars into a Narrative of Hope. These themes illustrate a dynamic process of transforming suffering into strength. Conclusion: The findings suggest that recovery from depression for FMWs is an active process of narrative reconstruction. By weaving together cultural scripts, social support, and spiritual beliefs, they re-author their experiences to find new meaning and build profound resilience. These study findings offer critical insights for developing culturally-attuned mental health interventions for migrant populations and informing policy frameworks aimed at enhancing psychosocial support for overseas workers. This study highlights the importance of social connection, suggesting that policies and corporate practices should facilitate, rather than hinder, community-building activities.