Suicide is preventable, yet people continue to lose their lives to suicide in Bhutan. According to The PEMA, many of those affected are young, working-age adults. While mental health issues are identified as one of the contributing factors, experts say suicide rarely has a single cause. Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day today, we delve into suicide cases reported in the country and the efforts made to prevent it.
The Statistical Yearbook of the Royal Bhutan Police recorded 105 deaths by suicide last year. Of these, 18 were aged between 18 and 24, while 17 were between 25 and 31.
In 2024, people aged between 18 and 29 accounted for the highest number of suicide deaths, with 36 cases.
Meanwhile, 38 individuals attempted suicide last year, compared with 24 in 2024 and 14 in 2023.
For many young adults, entering their twenties means taking on responsibilities they may have never faced before. For some, the psychiatrist says, these pressures can become overwhelming.
“After turning 20, many people face the challenge of finding a job, paying rent, and taking care of themselves. These pressures can create a significant mental burden, leading some to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. In such exhausting circumstances, individuals might view suicide as a way to escape their struggles,” says Psychiatrist Dr Ngawang Samten.
According to The PEMA, about 18.8 per cent were due to mental health issues, which was followed by alcohol use and family difficulties at 16.7 per cent and 13.2 per cent, respectively.
The World Health Organisation says the reasons for suicide are multi-faceted. It can be influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life of a person.
The psychiatrist says, “Pinpointing a single reason for suicide is complex and challenging. This is why I believe we need to conduct more research on this important issue.”
With suicide having multiple contributing factors, prevention also requires support at different levels.
The PEMA Secretariat has been conducting various prevention programmes. This includes integrating mental health into health services, including maternal mental health screening, while schools implement wellbeing strategies focused on awareness, resilience, screening, mentoring, and referrals.
Moreover, pilot programmes are being conducted to further support the mental health of older adults through engagement activities and caregiver training.
At the National Referral Hospital, mental health professionals provide counselling and medication to help patients manage their distress.
“Another important component is safety planning, where we sit down with the patient and go through a set of measures in writing to help keep them safe. These measures are intended to support the patient and reduce the risk of harm,” adds Dr Ngawang Samten.
The PEMA secretariat provided postvention support to more than 200 families affected by suicide in the last two and a half years. Postvention is an intervention or support for affected families or close associates of those who die by suicide.
THE PEMA reveals Bhutan have reduced the national suicide rate from a baseline of 14.6 to 12.4 per 100,000 population. But experts say continued prevention, early intervention and access to mental health support remain important.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental distress, you are advised to contact health professionals or The PEMA helpline 1098 for mental health services.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sangay Chezom
