Dr Anna Symonds - Elysian Psychology

26/05/2026

Today I’m reflecting on the sense of mastery many of the teenagers have developed over their social media use during the challenge, and the mixed emotions they experienced when it came to an end.

For some, the week without social media was initially difficult. However, as the days progressed, many discovered they were more capable of managing without their apps than they had expected. Several spoke about feeling a greater sense of control over their time and attention, rather than automatically reaching for their phones throughout the day.

At the same time, there was a noticeable sense of relief when social media became available again. For many teenagers, these platforms are not just a source of entertainment, but also a key way of maintaining friendships, staying connected, and feeling part of their social world.

The challenge has highlighted an interesting balance: while many young people can step away from social media and benefit from doing so, it also plays a significant role in how they connect with others.

What do you think? Does taking a break from social media help us gain control over our habits, or is staying connected too important to step away from for long?

25/05/2026

Today I’m talking about the changes parents are already noticing as the social media challenge gets underway. I’m also observing the habitual nature of social media use. 

Several parents have observed that their teenagers seem more present and engaged in conversations at home. Others have noticed them spending more time on alternative activities, whether that’s hobbies, schoolwork, or simply finding different ways to fill their free time. 

As the challenge continues, it will be interesting to see whether these early changes develop further and what the teenagers themselves make of the changes.

21/05/2026

Can teenagers really survive without social media? 📱

This week, I’m contributing to an ITV News piece exploring a question that’s becoming increasingly relevant as the UK government considers whether to follow Australia’s lead and ban social media for under-16s.

A group of 14 and 15-year-olds have been challenged to go without their social media apps for a week. Over the coming days, we’ll see how they cope, what they miss, and whether stepping away from social media has any impact on their wellbeing.

It’s a fascinating conversation at a time when concerns about young people’s mental health and online safety are higher than ever.

What do you think—could you go a week without social media?

OnlineSafety TeenMentalHealth YouthMentalHealth Day1 SocialMediaChallenge

26/09/2025

I discuss the effects of caffeine in

Your daily caffeine hit may be doing more harm than good – but there are steps you can take to fix it

26/09/2025

26/09/2025

I discussed the effects of caffeine in

18/09/2025

We need your help! 🙌 How would you like to earn £50 participating in a study? I have had the privilege of writing the content for this CBT course for low mood which uses AI to deliver it and would be honoured if you would give it a go and tell us what you think!

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• £50 reward voucher as thanks for your time
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✔️ This is for you if you:
• Experience low mood in daily life
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Together, let’s make mental health care more personal, accessible, and effective globally.

09/06/2025

Reflections: What We See in Others Is Often a Glimpse of Ourselves

Have you ever found yourself deeply moved, irritated, or unexpectedly emotional with someone?

It’s not random—it’s a reflection.

Psychologically, the people around us often act as mirrors. They show us the parts of ourselves we’re proud of, the parts we’ve hidden, and sometimes the parts we’re still healing. How we react to others can be a clue to us about our unmet needs, buried feelings, or dreams we’ve tucked away.

When someone brings up something up in you, whether beautiful or uncomfortable, try pausing and asking: What is this bringing up in me? What might this reflect about my inner world?

This kind of self-inquiry isn’t about blame—it’s about compassion. It’s an invitation to see yourself with more clarity, care, and kindness.

Growth often begins in the soft space between awareness and acceptance.

30/04/2025

Another month gone by... how was it for you?

How did you feel in April? And how differently would you like to feel in May?

Who you were in April and who would you like to be in May?

Remember, we are human beings not human doings. So rather than making a plan of tasks and goals for the month ahead and reviewing those completed in April, try to do the planning differently this time. Focus on being and feeling. And then, make a plan to make it happen!

23/04/2025

Just be there with them. Support them. Soothe them. But don't try to stop them. Make them feel safe enough to cry their tears away. It's healing 💚 for all of us 🙏