Bhutan, a country that gives primacy  to gross national happiness (GNH) over gross domestic product (GDP),  has seen a steady rise in suicide cases. Close to 100 Bhutanese -  in a population of 760,000 - take their own lives annually, according to a recent report submitted to the country’s parliament. 

Depression, neurological disorders including cancer and HIV infection, alcohol addiction, social issues, poor emotional literacy, poor family and personal relationship, lack of social support, economic hardships are the main reasons, according to the report by the Social and Cultural Committee of parliament. 

The issue of mental health is likely to be further aggravated by the pandemic. 

The existing policy, programs, facilities, and funding are inadequate to tackle the issue. Despite the rising trend of alcoholism, there are only two rehabilitation centers across the country, a handful of psychiatrists, in the country. 

“The various action plans developed for the prevention of suicide and addressing mental health issues are not binding, therefore, no one is held accountable,” stated the report.

Only one percent of the health ministry’s budget was allocated for mental health programs including suicide prevention annually, Sonam Pelzom, a Bhutanese MP and one of the members of the committee, highlighted on Thursday during the debate in parliament. 

She further said that the budget allocation in the last five years has remained under around $47,000 despite the increasing number of patients seeking treatment for mental health disorders and a high number of suicide cases reported.

The high level of social stigmatization and discrimination, the report says, was associated with mentally disturbed individuals. 

“Awareness campaigns through social media platforms like WeChat are found very effective,” Ugyen Tshering, a lawmaker, was quoted as saying by Kuensel newspaper. “Besides health, we must now involve the religious and public figures to disseminate correct information on mental health issues and suicide prevention,” he added. 

Growing unemployment, school closure, and prolonged restrictions have attributed making the young population even more vulnerable to these challenges. 

(SAM)