1. Traditional and Modern Understandings of Mental Illness in Bhutan: Preserving the Benefits of Each to Support Gross National Happiness
- Author:
- Joseph D. Calabrese and Chencho Dorji
- Publication Date:
- 09-2015
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Journal of Bhutan Studies
- Institution:
- Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
- Abstract:
- For most non-Bhutanese who are aware of the country, Bhutan is associated with happiness. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness policy, which implies a critique of onesided economics-dominated development goals, has become well known around the world. For example, the United Nations recently adopted Resolution 65/309, initiated by Bhutan, to include measures of happiness and well-being as indicators of development (United Nations, 2011) and the government in the UK has also expressed an interest in “happiness economics” (Layard, 2006). However, even in Bhutan, there are people who, through no fault of their own, or of their social system, are at a special risk for unhappiness. These are the Bhutanese who suffer from mental illnesses.
- Topic:
- Development, Mental Health, Well-Being, and Gross National Happiness (GNH)
- Political Geography:
- South Asia and Bhutan