The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the closing ceremony of the PEMA Symposium, the first iteration of Bhutan’s National Mental Health Symposium, on 26 November 2024.
Addressing the gathering, Her Majesty highlighted the importance of a unified community effort in addressing mental health challenges, emphasizing 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. Organized 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 prioritize the mental health and well-being of children in difficult circumstances. It will collaborate with local civil society organizations (CSOs) 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 center of hope and well-being, focuses 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.
