Sleep: Building the Foundation for Family Mental Wellness

Studies show that over 70 percent of Canadian children are not getting the sleep they need. Sleep is an important factor in both mental and physical health – For example, for children and youth, getting enough sleep can contribute to better concentration, fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, fewer behavioural challenges, and less hyperactivity.

Listen to this next exciting podcast episode as our guests – parent Andrea Bell and child Psychiatrist Dr. Smita Naidoo – discuss the relationship between sleep and mental and physical health, how technology affects sleep and how to tackle this in your family, and helpful sleep strategies for your child or youth.

GUEST BIO'S:

sleep
Andrea J. Bell (left) with Dr. Smita N. Naidoo (right)

Andrea J. Bell has spent over a decade directly involved with people and their health service needs. Leading national corporate wellness initiatives and advocating community health awareness transformed her into an entrepreneur-mom of three who empowers families with healthy sleep knowledge and solutions. A former professional ballroom dancer, Andrea lives in Vancouver, BC, where she often dances around her kitchen with the people she loves.

Dr. Smita N. Naidoo is a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with a passion for merging clinical medicine and public health. She has a dedicated Private Practice serving both children and transition-aged youth (i.e. 16-24 years old) as well as providing Emergency Psychiatric Care in a tertiary setting. Dr. Naidoo completed her Psychiatry & Fellowship training at the University of British Columbia. When she's not in her hometown Vancouver, BC you'll find her off travelling the unbeaten-path.

Andrea and Dr. Naidoo work together developing and promoting resources that connect the dots between sleep and children's mental health.


EPISODE RESOURCES:

Where You Are | S1 EE1 | June 26, 2019

Bounce Back: Promoting Resiliency in Children and Youth

Dive into a topic that’s gaining in both evidence and curiosity... Resiliency! Our hosts Char and Michelle speak with Lynne Godfrey (parent and grandparent) and Dr. Linda Uyeda to explore resiliency, understand its connection to mental and physical health, and cultivating resiliency in children and youth.
Where You Are | S1 EE2 | July 3, 2019

Present Matters: Mindfulness and Mental Well-being

Parents and caregivers are often curious about mindfulness – how do we fit this into our busy lives, does this actually help my child or youth's mental wellness? Listen to Paul Irving and Dr. Dzung Vo, passionate mindfulness, as this episode explores the topic and its role and importance for parents/caregivers who are supporting children and youth with mental health challenges. 
Where You Are | S1 EE5 | September 4, 2019

Tackling Anxiety: Practical Strategies for Children and Youth

Do you have an anxious child? Not sure how best to help them? Meet Tracy, a parent of two youth who are living with anxiety, and Dr. Sandra Clark, a clinical psychologist specializing in child and youth anxiety. Together, they explore common symptoms and effective strategies to support anxious children and youth.
Where You Are | S1 EE6 | September 25, 2019

ADHD Basics for Families

When it comes to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, there's so much information out there about it, it can be hard for parents and caregivers to wade through it all. So for this episode, we're starting at the beginning asking "What is ADHD?"
Where You Are | S1 EE7 | November 6, 2019

Social and Emotional Learning: Supporting Kids at Home and School

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a hot topic in schools and parent communities right now. Today Gail Markin (parent, school counsellor and District SEL Lead) and Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl (Psychologist, Professor and world renowned SEL expert) unpack what parents and caregivers can do to support SEL at home, as well as learn about the role of schools in promoting SEL.
Where You Are | S1 EE8 | November 27, 2019

When Parenting Gets Tough: How To Support Your Kids When They're Struggling

In this episode, join Mary (mom of 3) and Dr. Ashley Miller (Child Psychiatrist and Family Therapist at BC Children’s Hospital), as they break down some simple strategies all parents can use to support their children’s mental health, regardless of what struggles they’re facing.
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.