Youth in Bhutan today face growing pressures related to mental health, substance use, and social isolation. Substance Use Disorders (SuDs), in particular, can lead to a breakdown of family and community support structures—making it harder for young people to find help or reintegrate into society. While Bhutan’s cultural values and Gross National Happiness (GNH) principles emphasize holistic well-being, many families still struggle to access effective treatment and preventive programs.
: Early alcohol and drug use disrupts education, job prospects, and overall emotional health.
Those in recovery frequently face stigma, which hinders reintegration into family, society, and the workforce.
Conventional treatment programs often overlook the importance of holistic approaches—limiting the long-term success of recovery.
Rising Mental Health Needs: Rapid social changes, urbanization, and academic pressures are contributing to stress and anxiety, underscoring the need for comprehensive well-being initiatives.
The Bhutan Institute of Well-being is a visionary initiative of Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, the President of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. The Institute provide programs for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders through the modeling and promotion of a holistic education process.
Grounded in the vision of creating “A Happy and Harmonious Society,” BIW champions GNH values to inspire right understanding, right living, and a deeper sense of self-investigation. The theme of the Institute: •Understanding oneself as a Human Being, through Self exploration, andLiving accordingly, for Happiness and Prosperity.
The three -month treatment and rehabilitation program of BIW is grounded on the principles of Gross National Happiness, and it is known as the “Happiness Model of Treatment”.
The program offers a Self-Exploration and Contemplative Practice in a supportive environment to those who need meaningful and realistic direction in their lives.
The Bhutan Institute of Wellbeing aims to establish a Trust Fund to provide sustainable treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals from low-income families struggling with substance use disorders.
At BIW’s Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Nature-Guided Therapy plays a pivotal role in the “Happiness Model”—a three-month, GNH-inspired treatment program for individuals with Substance Use Disorders. Participants explore Bhutan’s forests, riversides, and mountains, engaging in outdoor activities that nurture healing and self-awareness.
Introduced to Bhutan by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tseyring Pem Wangchuck on 1st October 2012, Pranic Healing is another vital pillar in YDF’s holistic approach. As the Patron of the Bhutan Pranic Healing Centre, Her Majesty collaborates with Mrs. Shakun Goyal of the Delhi Pranic Healing Foundation, India, to expand this powerful, science-based energy healing system across Bhutan.
Growth & Impact: Since its introduction, many Bhutanese have been trained in different levels of Pranic Healing, sharing life-changing experiences in a relatively short period.
Teaching & Licensing: Currently, eight teachers (including Her Majesty) are licensed to teach Basic Healing. Higher-level courses are conducted by trainers from the Delhi Foundation and the Institute for Inner Studies in Manila, Philippines.
These courses are offered in English and equip participants with practical techniques to balance energy, reduce stress, and accelerate physical and emotional healing.
Launched in 2004, the Sponsor a Monk Program addresses the critical need for support towards the wellbeing of young monks in our monastic institutions—an integral part of Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Nearly 10% of Bhutan’s population is involved in religious life, yet many young monks face economic hardships and lack stable family support.
Purpose & Mission: Ensures young monks can focus on spiritual studies without worrying about unmet basic needs.
Monthly Sponsorship: Individuals or organizations contribute Nu. 500 per month to cover food, clothing, medical care, and educational materials.
Impact: Over 2,000 young monks across 10 monasteries in 7 districts have received improved living conditions and enhanced learning opportunities.
Cultural Preservation: By supporting these young spiritual practitioners, sponsors help safeguard Bhutan’s rich monastic traditions for future generations.
Through the Bhutan Institute of Wellbeing, YDF continues to pioneer a holistic approach to mental health and recovery, intertwining tradition, therapy, and nature. By further investing in ecotherapy and strengthening community outreach, YDF envisions a Bhutan where every young person has the tools—and the supportive environment—to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.