Dr. Damber K. Nirola, Psychiatrist

Happy Worl Mental Health Day 2025

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This year’s World Rabies Day theme is: “Act now: You, Me, Community”.

28 September this year marked the 19th World Rabies Day. This year’s "Act now: you, me, communities" is calling on you, me, and our communities to take responsibility, work together, and drive real change. For the first time in its 19-year history, WRD’s theme does not include the word "rabies", showing how well-established this movement has become. Whether you are an individual, part of an organization, or a decision-maker, the time to act is now.

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𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 ✨

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Dr. Choten Gyaltshen, the first psychiatrist at the Central Regional Referral Hospital in Gelephu, recently completed his MD in Psychiatry from Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka. In addition to his mother tongue, Tshangla, and Dzongkha, he is fluent in Lhotsamkha and Bangla. His patient, compassionate, and pleasant nature makes him ideally suited for his role. His presence will provide much-needed mental healthcare to patients who previously had to travel to Thimphu. We wish him well.

Looking Back, Looking Within: A Journey Through Bhutan’s Mental Health Landscape
I began my journey as a medical doctor in 1989, a time when Bhutan’s health system was still in its early stages of development. As a young medical officer, I moved across five different postings over 13 years. Those years shaped my identity as a doctor and taught me the value of service, resilience, and humility. Yet, when I look back on that period, one thing stands out with a quiet but unsettling weight: I do not recall ever treating a patient for the psychiatric conditions that now dominate my daily practice.
It was only later, after training and returning as Bhutan’s second psychiatrist, that I began to question this silence. Did mental illness not exist in those days? Or did we, as medical professionals, fail to recognise it?

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MY VIEWS I began my journey as a medical doctor in 1989, a time when Bhutan’s health system was still in its early stages of development. As a young medical officer, I moved across five different postings over 13 years. Those years shaped my identity as a doctor and taught me the value of service, resilien...

Navigating Mental Health Challenges Abroad: A Call for Compassion and Support

For many Bhutanese, the journey to Australia to study and work is filled with dreams of growth, independence, and opportunity. Yet, beneath this promise lies a reality that can often be overwhelming. Being far from home, juggling academic pressures, financial responsibilities, and cultural adjustments can take a heavy toll on mental well-being.

The recent case of Tashi Dawa, who went missing for several days before being found near a dam site, highlights the silent struggles many face abroad. His experience reflects the deep stress, helplessness, hopelessness, and guilt that can sometimes push individuals toward despair. It is fortunate that he found the strength to step back from a potentially irreversible decision. His story is not just his own—it is a reminder of the hidden battles many endure in silence.

Seeking mental health support in a foreign country is not always straightforward. For those who are not permanent residents, access to care can be complicated, delayed, or financially burdensome. Long waiting times for appointments with counsellors or psychiatrists only add to the difficulty. Beyond these systemic barriers, stigma remains the greatest challenge. The fear of being judged or misunderstood prevents many from seeking timely help, both abroad and at home.

It is heartening to see some young Bhutanese return home when they recognize the need for care. This is not a sign of weakness, but a wise decision rooted in self-preservation and courage. Their stories should inspire others to prioritize mental health, just as one would physical health.

As a community, both in Bhutan and abroad, we must foster compassion, understanding, and openness toward mental health struggles. Families should maintain non-judgmental communication, friends should look out for one another, and institutions must create safe spaces for dialogue and support.

Going abroad is a journey of growth, but it should not come at the cost of one’s mental health. Let us remind ourselves and our loved ones that seeking help is never a weakness—it is an act of courage.