November 28, 2024
THIMPHU – Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the closing ceremony of The PEMA Symposium, the first iteration of Bhutan’s National Mental Health Symposium, yesterday.
Addressing the gathering, Her Majesty highlighted the importance of a unified community effort in addressing mental health challenges, emphasising empathy, compassion, and the critical roles of educators and counselors in supporting individuals, especially the youth.
Her Majesty called for collective action to combat issues such as suicide and bullying, fostering a society rooted in understanding, resilience, and hope.
The Symposium, envisioned by Her Majesty, aimed to create a collaborative platform to address one of Bhutan’s most pressing challenges: mental health. Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the WHO Bhutan office, the two-day event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and members of the community to foster dialogue and set the stage for transformative initiatives.
During the event, Her Majesty inaugurated two landmark mental health facilities: The PEMA Home and Mitshey Yarab Lamzang.
The PEMA Home is designed to prioritise the mental health and well-being of children in difficult circumstances. It will collaborate with local civil society organisations and agencies responsible for child welfare to ensure a holistic and community-based approach. Its mission is to provide vulnerable children and their families with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Mitshey Yarab Lamzang, a centre of hope and well-being, focusing on providing care for individuals with substance use disorders. Operating on a continuum-of-care model, it offers residential and outpatient services tailored to diverse needs, from voluntary participants to those referred by the judiciary or other institutions. By emphasizing reintegration into society, the center aims to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives as responsible citizens.
The Symposium featured in-depth discussions on Bhutan’s mental health landscape, evidence-based interventions, and strategies for building resilience and well-being.
Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen’s Address at the closing ceremony of The PEMA Symposium on mental health
As we come together at the closing of The PEMA symposium on mental health, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where empathy meets action.
The discussions over the past two days have underscored a fundamental truth: mental health is the cornerstone of our collective well-being, touching every corner of society.
Let us take this moment to transform our shared insights into ensuring change as we continue our journey towards a more compassionate and supportive future for all.
For meaningful progress, solutions must emerge from a collective effort. It cannot be the sole responsibility of professionals. Families, friends, teachers, and the entire community have important roles in creating strong and caring support networks.
His Majesty often reminds us that our strength is in our unity and our community spirit. Just like a dzong is built with many stones placed by people from all walks of life, our mental health care needs this strength and support of our whole community.
Bhutan is witnessing a disturbing rise in suicide rates, a multifaceted challenge profoundly impacting families and communities. Key contributing factors include mental health struggles, societal pressures, limited access to resources, and unfortunately, various forms of bullying. It is painful to see anyone in our community feeling alone in their struggles. We must build bridges, not walls, making sure everyone knows help is available. Losing even a single life to suicide is a collective failure on our part.
As many of our teachers, counsellors, and education officials are present today, it is important to acknowledge your critical role in supporting students’ mental health. You are on the front lines, shaping the future of Bhutan. While we often associate mental health with policies and healthcare, significant impact happens at the school level, where your support can be lifesaving.
Counsellors, you create safe spaces for students to share their feelings, serving as the first line of support for those in need. Your ability to identify students who need more support and connect them with necessary resources is invaluable and can truly make a difference.
Principals, your leadership is crucial in creating a school environment that prioritises mental health, transforming schools into safe havens where students feel seen and heard.
Teachers are often the first to notice when a student is struggling. With compassion and care, you can reach out, connecting them with the school counsellor, offering words of encouragement or simply letting them know that they are not alone. Sometimes, something as simple as a kind word of love and care from a teacher can be the light that guides a student through their darkest moments.
The key to all these roles is empathy. Understanding and sharing our students’ feelings helps us build trust and break down barriers. It’s about supporting them rather than solving every problem, and showing them that help and hope are always available. Your commitment helps build a strong and caring community – much like a team of superheroes supporting mental health.
As we conclude, let us reflect on the profound impact we can have in combating suicide and bullying and promoting mental health. Our combined efforts – whether it’s listening to a friend, opposing harmful behaviour, or advocating for better mental health resources —are the foundation of a compassionate and resilient society.
To those who have experienced the pain of these challenges, remember that you are not alone. Your courage in sharing your journey lights the way for others and inspires us to do better. To the educators, counsellors, health workers, and mental health advocates who work tirelessly, thank you for your steadfast commitment. By engaging in these critical conversations, you are not only raising awareness but driving change. You are the pillars of hope for many in need.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire team at The PEMA Secretariat. Your dedication and unwavering commitment have saved many lives, providing hope every day despite great challenges. You truly exemplify service and care, creating a brighter future for those in need. Thank you.
Let’s recognise the power within each of us to be agents of change. Imagine a world where every individual feels safe to share their story without fear of judgment, where seeking help is seen as strength, and where compassion is our first response. 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 rewrite the narrative, turning whispers of struggle into triumphs of resilience.
Thank you for being here and for pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Together, we can forge a future of hope and healing.
Tashi Delek