Achieving Gross National Happiness Through Community-based Mental Health Services in Bhutan

In: Gross National Happiness and Development - Proceedings of the First International Conference on Operationalization of Gross National Happiness. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2004, pp. 600-628 . ISBN 99936-14-22-X

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Abstract

Gross National Happiness, by definition, is closely linked to mental health, which is a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community. Across cultures, concepts of mental health, as with GNH, include subjective well-being; perceived self-efficiency; autonomy; competence; inter-generational independence; and self-actualisation of one's intellectual and emotional potential, among others. It is generally agreed that the concept of mental health is broader than a lack of mental disorders. Mental health must address the entire spectrum of issues affecting the mental well-being of all sectors of society.