Bhutan
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Primary Crisis Hotline:
- Phone Number: 1010
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Operated by the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF) and Ministry of Health, this helpline offers support for mental health issues and suicide prevention. (bhutanyouth.org)
- Emergency Line:
- Phone Number: 112
- Notes: National emergency number for immediate assistance, accessible via mobile and landline.

Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 11.4 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: The suicide rate in Bhutan has shown fluctuations, with a slight increase observed in recent years.
Demographic-Specific Insights
- By Gender:
- Male Suicide Rate: Higher compared to females.
- Female Suicide Rate: Lower than males but still significant in rural communities.
- Notable Trends: Male suicides are predominantly associated with unemployment and substance abuse, while female suicides are linked to domestic violence and familial disputes. (bhutantimes.bt)
- By Age Groups:
- Youth (15-29): Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth in Bhutan.
- Middle-Aged (30-49): Significant rates, often linked to economic stress and societal pressures.
- Rural vs. Urban:
- Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to limited access to mental health services and higher levels of isolation.
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Overview: Bhutan has prioritized mental health and suicide prevention as part of its Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework.
- Key Elements:
- Community-Based Programs: Focused on reducing stigma, raising awareness, and improving mental health literacy.
- Government Policies: The National Suicide Prevention Action Plan (NSPAP) was implemented in 2015 to address suicide prevention through a holistic approach. (health.gov.bt)
Specific Initiatives and Campaigns
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Example: Annual mental health awareness campaigns, including events organized around World Suicide Prevention Day, to reduce stigma and promote available services.
- Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
- Youth and Adolescents: School-based mental health programs are designed to educate students about coping strategies and seeking help.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Partnerships between the Ministry of Health, Bhutan YDF, and international organizations such as UNICEF to strengthen mental health services.
Innovative Tools and Approaches
- Digital Tools:
- Example: Mobile applications and online resources have been developed to provide easy access to mental health information and services.
- Community-Based Interventions:
- Training of local leaders and healthcare workers to recognize and address mental health issues in their communities.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Suicide and mental health issues are often stigmatized in Bhutan, particularly in rural areas. Efforts to integrate mental health services into traditional community structures have shown promise.
- Research and Data Gaps:
- Detailed demographic data on suicide is still limited, and further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions.
- Positive Developments:
- The implementation of the National Suicide Prevention Action Plan and the active involvement of community organizations demonstrate Bhutan’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges.
References
- Bhutan Youth Development Fund. (n.d.). Mental Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.bhutanyouth.org/
- Trading Economics. (2019). Bhutan – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/bhutan/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
- Ministry of Health, Bhutan. (2015). National Suicide Prevention Action Plan. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.bt/
- Bhutan Times. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide in Bhutan. Retrieved from https://bhutantimes.bt/