Bhutan, often celebrated as one of the world’s happiest nations, harbors a silent crisis in mental health, veiled by cultural stigma and societal expectations of perpetual positivity.
Meet Dr. Chencho Dorji, Bhutan’s pioneering psychiatrist, navigating the landscape of mental health at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital. Despite being the sole psychiatric institution in Bhutan, Dr. Dorji and his small team of six psychiatrists serve a population exceeding 750,000.
While mental health awareness has made strides since Dr. Dorji’s entry into the field in 1999, Bhutan still grapples with deep-rooted cultural norms that discourage open dialogue. Despite 93.6% of the population self-identifying as happy in the latest Gross National Happiness report, limited emotional expression in the local dialect compounds mental health awareness challenges.
Cultural stigma perpetuates misconceptions, with conditions like epilepsy often viewed as contagious. Superstitious beliefs persist, particularly in rural areas, where supernatural explanations for mental illness prevail.
In Bhutan’s mountainous terrain, physical health reigns supreme, overshadowing emotional well-being. Societal pressure to exude happiness further masks underlying mental health struggles, as observed by Deki Choden, a Bhutanese counselor studying in Western Australia.
Deki shares her insights on the cultural contrasts, noting Bhutan’s deeply ingrained compassion and the challenge of setting boundaries. Her experience abroad has sparked a desire to revolutionize mental health practices back home.
Dr. Dorji’s journey to becoming Bhutan’s first psychiatrist was personal, driven by the plight of his siblings battling schizophrenia. His mission extends beyond individual cases to reforming Bhutan’s mental health infrastructure. Drawing from his global exposure, Dr. Dorji envisions a future where every hospital boasts at least one psychiatrist, ensuring comprehensive mental health support nationwide.
In Bhutan’s quest for holistic well-being, the acknowledgment of mental health challenges marks a critical step towards cultivating a happier, healthier society.
