In a heartfelt display of royal support, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the closing ceremony of The PEMA Symposium yesterday, marking the culmination of Bhutan’s first National Mental Health Symposium. The two-day event, a visionary initiative spearheaded by Her Majesty, sought to address the pressing mental health challenges facing the kingdom today.
Speaking passionately to an audience of policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, and community members, Her Majesty underscored the necessity of a united front in tackling mental health issues. She emphasized the roles of empathy and compassion, highlighting the critical contributions of educators and counselors in supporting individuals, particularly the nation’s youth.
“Our strength lies in our unity and community spirit,” Her Majesty declared. “Just as a dzong is built with many stones placed by people from all walks of life, our mental health care requires the collective strength and support of our entire community.”
The symposium, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the WHO Bhutan office, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on Bhutan’s mental health landscape. Topics ranged from evidence-based interventions to strategies for fostering resilience and well-being among citizens.
A significant highlight of the event was the inauguration of two landmark mental health facilities by Her Majesty: The PEMA Home and Mitshey Yarab Lamzang. The PEMA Home is dedicated to the mental health and well-being of children in challenging circumstances. It aims to work closely with local civil society organizations and child welfare agencies to offer a holistic, community-based support system for vulnerable children and their families, helping them rebuild their lives with the necessary resources and care.
Mitshey Yarab Lamzang, described as a center of hope and well-being, focuses on providing comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Operating on a continuum-of-care model, the center offers both residential and outpatient services tailored to diverse needs, including those referred by the judiciary or other institutions. By prioritizing reintegration into society, Mitshey Yarab Lamzang seeks to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives as responsible citizens.
Addressing the critical issues of suicide and bullying, Her Majesty called for collective action to foster a society grounded in understanding, resilience, and hope. She highlighted the alarming rise in suicide rates in Bhutan, attributing it to factors such as mental health struggles, societal pressures, limited access to resources, and various forms of bullying. “Losing even a single life to suicide is a collective failure on our part,” she stated, urging the community to build bridges of support and ensure that no one feels alone in their struggles.
Her Majesty paid special tribute to educators and counselors present at the symposium, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the future of Bhutan. She lauded teachers for their ability to notice when students are struggling and for offering the necessary support and encouragement that can make a significant difference in a young person’s life.
“In creating safe spaces for our students, you are not just educators; you are the first line of support, the pillars of hope,” Her Majesty remarked.
As the symposium drew to a close, Her Majesty issued a call to action, encouraging all attendees to transform shared insights into tangible change. She envisioned a future where every individual feels safe to share their story without fear of judgment, where seeking help is seen as a strength, and where compassion is the first response to mental health challenges.
“Let’s leave here with a commitment to action – to challenge misconceptions, support those in need, and use our voices to inspire real change. Together, we can forge a future of hope and healing,” she concluded.
The PEMA Symposium not only highlighted the urgent need for mental health initiatives in Bhutan but also set the stage for transformative efforts aimed at building a more compassionate and resilient society. With the support of Her Majesty and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, Bhutan is poised to make significant strides in addressing mental health challenges and fostering a community where every individual can thrive.
