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

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.

 

RESOURCES

Where You Are | S2 EE12 | January 6, 2021

Concurrent Disorders: When Substance Use Meets Mental Health

Join our podcast guests where you'll hear from a parent of four and a Registered Psychiatric Nurse as together they discuss how to best support and treat youth with concurrent disorders. You'll hear tips on how to prioritize the connection with your youth while also getting the support you need as a parent or caregiver. 
Where You Are | S2 EE11 | December 16, 2020

Supporting Children and Youth with ADHD During COVID -19: Special Webinar Edition

Raising a child with ADHD is challenging. With the disrupted routines and uncertainty of COVID-19, these challenges may be intensifying for some families. We will discuss these challenges and provide concrete tips to parents and caregivers for supporting children and youth with ADHD in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where You Are | S2 EE7 | November 18, 2020

Keeping Tech in Check: Developing Healthy Habits In Your Family

This podcast episode is to help families who are looking for better ways to guide their kids’ technology use, and to avoid battles and negotiations around screen time, video games, and technology use at home. Dr. Shimi Kang, child and youth psychiatrist, and her 14-year-old son Joesh, offer practical tips for families to develop or reset healthy technology habits at home.
Where You Are | S2 EE4 | June 24, 2020

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

In this podcast episode, 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.
Where You Are | S2 EE3 | June 3, 2020

Cake and Broccoli: Promoting mental wellness through feeding and eating

Parents know the importance nutrition plays in a child’s physical health, but what about their mental health? Join Char, a parent with two little ones, and Lorrie Chow, a dietitian at BC Children’s Hospital, for mealtime strategies that help your child develop a healthy relationship with food.
Where You Are | S2 EE2 | May 4, 2020

Parenting During COVID-19: We’re All in This Together

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Miller, BC Children’s Hospital Psychiatrist and mother of two, shares steps families can take to manage stress and stay emotionally connected while living in close quarters during COVID-19.
Where You Are | S2 EE1 | March 4, 2020

Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know

In this episode, we speak to a youth who has lived experience with self-harm; and a clinical counsellor who has supported many youth who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child.
Where You Are Podcast

Through real stories, expertise, and practical tips, this podcast helps families promote their mental health and wellness, navigating important topics to meet you where you are in your journey.

Listen Now

Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

BC Children's Hospital 
Healthy Minds Centre, Building #85, Room P3-302, 3rd floor,
4555 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Local Phone: 604 875 2084
Toll-Free: 1 800 665 1822
keltycentre@cw.bc.ca

The BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre is located on the unceded, traditional and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Follow us

BC Provincial Health British Columbia RBCBC Children's Hospital Foundation

Copyright © Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

Need urgent help?

Call 911 or go to your local hospital’s emergency room if you or anyone else’s safety is at risk and immediate help is needed.

If you or someone you know is thinking about ending their own life, or needs someone to talk to about suicidal thoughts or ideas:

  • Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) for the BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line. Available in over 140 languages using a language service.
  • Call 1-800-588-8717 for the BC KUU-US Indigenous Crisis and Support Line.  
  • Call or text 988 for the National Suicide Crisis Helpline. Available in English and French.

For mental health or substance use crisis support:

  • Call 310-6789 for the BC Mental Health Support Line anytime for emotional support, information and resources. Available in over 140 languages using a language service.

 For commonly asked questions about supports and services in BC, explore our Ask Kelty Mental Health tool.