Employers in Singapore Take Proactive Steps to Support Maids' Mental Health

At a Glance

MOM lists 6 warning signs of distress: withdrawal, irritability, fatigue or poor sleep, forgetfulness, appetite change, talk of dying.
MOM MDW Helpline: 1800 339 5505 (Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 5.30pm).
CDE counselling line runs 24 hours: 1800 225 5233.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) runs 24 hours on 1767. Life in danger: call 999.
Since 1 Jan 2023, every helper gets 1 rest day a week, and 1 a month cannot be compensated away.

Friends, our helpers live in our homes, far from their own.

Different food, different language, a phone screen as the only window to their kids... it adds up.

More Singapore employers now notice when something is off and pick up the phone for help. This guide pulls together what MOM tells employers, the signs to watch, and the numbers to call.

Why do domestic helpers in Singapore get stressed?

MOM's guide Look out for your helper's mental well-being names these common causes:

Family and money

Relationship problems back home, or a sudden request to send more money.

A new country

Adapting to a different culture, pace of life and language.

The job itself

Learning new duties, and constant caregiving, especially for someone new to it.

Loneliness

Being away from friends and family, with little support nearby.

What are the warning signs my maid is depressed or in distress?

The FAST social support team told The Straits Times that helpers may not notice their own distress, such as crying, being absorbed in their thoughts or becoming absent-minded.

Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.

Sign (MOM)	What you may notice
Withdrawal	Loses interest in things she enjoyed, speaks less, poor eye contact, looks listless
Irritability	Gets frustrated or upset easily, mood swings
Fatigue, poor sleep	Sleeps more than usual, sleeps badly, or looks tired all the time
Decreased performance	Forgetful, tasks left unfinished
Appetite change	Eating noticeably more or less
Unhealthy thoughts	Talks about dying, seems constantly afraid. Act the same day.

Source: MOM, Look out for your helper's mental well-being.

How can I support my helper's mental health at home?

MOM suggests seven practical steps:

1. Talk openly

Pick a calm moment and break the ice with a simple topic. Ask about her life, beyond the chores.

2. Say thank you

Acknowledge her hard work, and tell her that her well-being matters to you.

3. Show empathy

Be kind, and try to see things from her side. Listen without judging.

4. Allow rest and self-care

Private breaks, about 10 minutes of stretching daily, and MOM's free self-care journal (English, Bahasa Indonesia, Burmese, Tagalog, Tamil).

5. Respect her need for connection

Time to call loved ones regularly, plus friends and support networks outside the household.

6. Encourage positive pursuits

Reading, writing, crafts, or volunteering. Some helpers volunteer at HOME's helpdesks.

7. Encourage her to seek help

Share the numbers below. Offer to sit with her during the call if she would feel more comfortable.

Is my helper entitled to a weekly rest day?

Yes. Since 1 January 2023, every MDW gets one rest day per week.
One rest day a month cannot be compensated away with pay.
Employers who fail to give the mandatory rest day may face MOM enforcement action.
MOM also suggests talking through schedule changes ahead of busy holiday periods, so she still gets enough rest.

Who can my maid call for counselling in Singapore?

Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.

Service	Phone	Notes
MOM MDW Helpline	1800 339 5505 +65 6339 5505 (overseas)	Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 5.30pm
Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE)	1800 225 5233	24 hours, foreign-language speakers at times
FAST	1800 339 4357	Helpline support and counselling
HOME	1800 7977 977 9787 3122	Volunteers can speak to helpers in their native language
Brahm Centre	8427 5196 (Burmese) 9894 9505 (Tamil/Hindi)	Counselling in her language
SAMH	1800 238 7019	Singapore Association for Mental Health
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)	1767	24 hours
Singapore Counselling Centre	6339 5411	Counselling fees apply
Silver Ribbon	6386 1928	Mental health support
Emergency	999	Life-threatening situations

Numbers from MOM's mental well-being page and The Straits Times, checked October 2026. Mobile calls to 1800 lines may incur airtime charges. Most of these lines offer counselling only.

What should I do if my helper's behaviour suddenly changes?

MOM shares a real case. A long-time helper started talking to herself, and her employer learnt she was being bullied online. Here is what the employer did:

Noticed the change and found out the cause.

Offered a month's break. She declined.

Called MOM, who pointed to IMH for professional help and linked her to FAST counselling.

The lesson: keep going when the first offer is turned down. A phone call to MOM costs you nothing.

Does MOM teach new helpers about stress?

First-time helpers attend the Settling-In Programme, which covers managing stress and seeking help.
MOM works with groups such as CDE and HealthServe on helplines and counselling in workers' native languages.
Employers can also attend events with their helpers. Many did on International Migrants Day at Gardens by the Bay.

Friends, small things go a long way.

A thank you, a real rest day, a quiet hour to video call her kids... and knowing which number to dial when it is bigger than that.

Looking for a helper who fits your family?

Browse thousands of maid profiles from agencies across Singapore.

Browse Searchmaid

P.S. Save the MOM helpline in your phone today. You will probably never need it... and if you do, you will be glad you didn't have to search for it at 11pm.