Introduction
The Druk Journal contributes to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation. It is a vibrant public space in which we encourage our contributors to expand our national discourse by introducing new ideas and concepts into the Bhutanese conversation. Through regular publications, an interactive website, and open discussions after each edition, we engage Bhutanese society in conversation so that all citizens can exchange open and frank views on national policies and issues relevant to Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens, but to build a community of people who will take an active role, as individuals and as a community, in the development of analytical attitudes toward national policies. It is our hope that participation in such a community will encourage individuals to engage in policy research that can be made available to the government and larger Bhutanese society. The Druk Journal thus serves as a vehicle for the development of a society which is concerned about national issues and wants to participate in the development of policy by thinking publicly and through conversation. Such a community of thinkers will also draw on the experience of other countries in those areas of political, social, economic and cultural experimentation that are relevant to our own concerns. The Druk Journal is a nonpartisan publication. Our purpose is to serve the national interest through the development of serious conversation on issues from every possible constructive point of view. We have no editorial position of our own. We believe that our stated objectives and the means we will use to achieve them are the best way in which we can serve our country and His Majesty The King. We invite all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan to join us. We wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.
Ensuring Mental Well-being in Bhutan
Spring 2023 | Volume 9, Issue 1
Table of Contents
Preface
Ensuring Mental Well-being in Bhutan
Addressing Mental Health in Bhutan
Dr Chencho Dorji
The Institution of “The Pema” for Mental Health Care for Bhutan
The Pema Secretariat
Mental Health Situation in South-East Asia: Challenges and the Way Forward
Pema Lethro and Andrea Bruni
Educating for Mental Well-being
Siok Sian Pek-Dorji
Evolution of Mental Health Services in Bhutan
Dr Damber Kumar Nirola
Increasing Well-being through Interdependence
Shenphen Zangpo
Mental Health Afflictions Can Be Treated
From The Druk Journal
Stigmatisation of Mental Health on Social Media in Bhutan
Sangay Choden
A Buddhist Perspective of Well-Being
Chholay N. Dorji
Well-being of the Elderly Population: A Multi-factorial Approach
Tara Devi Laabar and Passang Dema
Global Crisis, National Commitment: Overcoming Challenges to Inclusive Mental Health in Bhutan
Sarala Pradhan and Ugyen Samdrup Lhamo
Strengthening Social Cohesion – an Opportunity for Mental Health and Human Development
Christina Lengfelder
Multi-sectoral Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
Watanabe Kozo
Bullying – A Threat to Mental Well-being
Bjorn Melgaard