Where You Are

Connecting Mind and Body: What parents need to know about somatization

S02E4 | June 24, 2020

The mind-body connection is powerful. Somatization is the process of experiencing emotions as physical symptoms. Everyone experiences somatization, but, for some, it gets in the way of everyday life and requires treatment. Join Lena, a parent of a child who has been affected by somatization and Dr. Andrea Chapman (Psychiatrist, BC Children’s Hospital) as they offer families tips and resources for navigating this journey and working towards recovery.

NOTE: This episode was recorded in studio before COVID-19.

 

*We would also like to acknowledge the support and guidance from Dr. Amrit Dhariwal, Child Psychologist at BC Children's Hospital, during the development of this podcast episode.  

Guest bios

Lena

Parent

Lena is a partnered, working mom, teacher, and communicator with a background in science, education and communication. She has worked with students of all ages, and has volunteered in her children’s schools in North Vancouver and their schools in their South American homes when they were younger. She always wanted to be a mother first, and keeps that in mind while she works, realizing that both are necessary to feel that she’s doing okay in life.

Dr. Andrea Chapman

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, BC Children's Hospital

Andrea Chapman is a psychiatrist at BC Children’s Hospital.  She is the Medical Director of Consultation-Liaison Service at BCCH.  Andrea’s area of clinical and research interest is in pediatric somatization and the mind-body connection.  She has co-authored family and professional resources on somatization and conducted research.

 

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Need urgent help?

If you, your child, or someone you care about is having a mental health or substance use crisis:

  • Call 911 or go to your local hospital’s emergency room if you are in need of immediate help
  • Call 1-800- SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) anytime if you are concerned about someone who may be considering suicide

These are a few examples of situations when you should seek immediate help:

  • The child or youth is thinking about or trying to end their life
  • The child or youth is experiencing sensations that aren’t real and/or beliefs that can’t possibly be true
  • The child or youth is unable to care for themselves, and it’s putting them at risk of serious harm
  • The child or youth is experiencing an alcohol or drug overdose
  • The child or youth is taking a dangerous combination of substances (like medications and alcohol)

For non-urgent support options, explore our Ask Kelty Mental Health tool. You’ll find answers to common questions families have about accessing mental health supports and services in BC for their child or youth.