Her Majesty the Queen is calling for collective action to tackle mental health problems

Her Majesty Gyaltsuen attended the closing ceremony of the PEMA Symposium, the first edition of the National Mental Health Symposium in Bhutan, yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, Her Majesty stressed the importance of united community efforts in tackling mental health challenges, highlighting empathy, compassion and the key role of educators and counselors in supporting individuals, especially young people.

Her Majesty called for collective action to tackle issues such as suicide and bullying, creating a society rooted in understanding, resilience and hope.

The symposium, planned by Her Majesty The Queen, aimed to create a platform for cooperation to address one of Bhutan’s most pressing challenges: mental health. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and WHO Bhutan Office, the two-day event brought together policymakers, health professionals and community members to foster dialogue and set the stage for transformational initiatives.

During the event, Her Majesty inaugurated two landmark mental health centers: PEMA Home and Mitshey Yarab Lamzang.

The PEMA House has been designed to prioritize the mental health and well-being of children in difficult situations. It will work with local civil society organizations and child welfare agencies to ensure a holistic, 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 for hope and well-being, focused on providing care to people with substance use disorders. Operating in a continuous care model, it offers inpatient and outpatient services tailored to a variety of needs, from voluntary participants to people referred by the court or other institutions. With an emphasis on reintegration into society, the center aims to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives as responsible citizens.

The symposium included in-depth discussions on the state of mental health in Bhutan, evidence-based interventions, and strategies for building resilience and well-being.

Speech by Her Majesty the Queen Gyaltsuen at the closing ceremony of the PEMA Symposium for mental health

As we gather to close the PEMA Mental Health Symposium, we find ourselves at a critical moment where empathy meets action.

Discussions over the past two days have highlighted a fundamental truth: mental health is the cornerstone of our collective well-being and impacts every corner of society.

Let us seize this moment to transform our collective insights into ensuring change as we continue our journey towards a more compassionate and supportive future for all.

To achieve meaningful progress, solutions must emerge through collective effort. This cannot be the sole responsibility of professionals. Families, friends, teachers and the community at large play an important role in creating strong and caring support networks.

His Majesty often reminds us that our strength lies in unity and community spirit. Just as a dzong is made of many stones placed by people from different backgrounds, our mental health care needs this strength and support from our entire community.

Bhutan is witnessing an alarming increase in suicide rates, presenting a multi-faceted challenge with a profound impact on families and communities. Key contributing factors include mental health issues, social pressures, limited access to resources and, unfortunately, various forms of abuse. It’s painful when someone in our community feels alone in their struggles. We need to build bridges, not walls, by making sure everyone knows help is available. The loss of even one life to suicide is a collective failure on our part.

With many of our teachers, counselors and education officials here today, it is important to highlight 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 politics and health care, significant impact takes place at the school level, where your support can save lives.

Counselors, you create a safe space 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 provide them with the resources they need is invaluable and can make a real difference.

Principals, your leadership is critical in creating school environments that prioritize mental health, transforming schools into safe havens where students feel seen and heard.

Teachers are often the first to notice a student’s problems. By showing compassion and concern, you can reach them by connecting them with a school counselor, offering words of encouragement, or simply letting them know they are not alone. Sometimes something as simple as a kind word of love and concern from a teacher can be the light that guides a student through the darkest of times.

The key to all of these roles is empathy. Understanding and sharing our students’ feelings helps us build trust and break down barriers. The point is to support them, not solve every problem and show that help and hope are always available. Your involvement helps build a strong and caring community – just like a team of mental health superheroes.

Finally, let’s reflect on the huge impact we can have on fighting suicide and bullying and promoting mental health. Our combined efforts – whether it’s listening to a friend, taking a stand against harmful behavior, or advocating for better mental health resources – form the basis 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. Thank you to the educators, counselors, health care workers and mental health advocates who work tirelessly for your unwavering commitment. By engaging in these critical conversations, you not only raise awareness, but also drive change. You are pillars of hope for many in need.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire PEMA Secretariat team. Your sacrifice and unwavering commitment have saved many lives, giving hope every day despite great challenges. You are a true example of service and care, creating a better future for those in need. Thank you.

Let us see the power in each of us that allows us to be agents of change. Imagine a world where every person 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 – let’s 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 pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Together we can create a future full of hope and healing.

Tashi Delek