Social connections play a crucial role in fostering resilience within the context of millennial experiences and mental health, as highlighted throughout the collection of essays.
Firstly, the book addresses the issue of ‘disrupted belonging’ among modern youth, suggesting that a lack of strong social ties can be detrimental to mental well-being. This highlights the inverse relationship: healthy social connections can counteract this sense of disconnection and foster resilience. Dr. Niall MacGiolla Bhuí found that the ocean became a “disconnection free” space where he could embrace resilience, and this experience was shared with his ‘swimpod’ of friends. The formation of this ‘swimpod’ for sea swimming during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies how social connections can be actively sought and utilised as an exercise in wellness and resilience. The comradery experienced while swimming with friends in the open sea provides deep connections in a time of profound disconnect.
Secondly, spending time in ‘blue spaces’ (oceans, rivers) has positive benefits for social connectedness, particularly a sense of belonging and interaction with others who have shared life experiences. This suggests that engaging with others in shared environments can enhance resilience by fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Thirdly, several essays emphasise the importance of a positive support system for building resilience. Jocelyn Cunningham notes that having the right energies and people on your side is crucial for self-belief, which is empowering and aids in overcoming challenges. Surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, encourage you, and share your vision is identified as a key part of coping with difficult times. Sharing problems with trusted individuals can also help to strengthen resolve.
Furthermore, in the context of grief and loss, Anna Gray highlights the strength found in family pulling together, noting that some considered their family resilient for supporting each other. Similarly, in dealing with a child with additional needs, the power of family and friends in providing non-judgmental listening and offering help is emphasised as empowering and crucial for resilience.
The experience of marginalised children attending the Limerick Youth Encounter Project as argued by Susan McKenna demonstrates resilience fostered through engagement with the project. This suggests that even structured social interventions can provide a supportive network that enhances the ability to cope with adversity.
In the context of Irish agriculture, Anne Hayden discusses how joint farming and farm partnerships serve as resilience strategies, formalising collaborative work among farmers. The deep attachment to the land is also linked to a sense of social belonging within the wider community, which contributes to the farmers’ personal resilience.
Finally, Meghann Scully’s reflection on moving to new towns and schools highlights that building new connections while maintaining old ones fosters adaptability and resilience in the face of change. Similarly, Mairtín O’ HIobain emphasises the importance of building a strong support network of friends and family as a key aspect of his comeback from periods of depression.
In conclusion, the authors consistently demonstrate that social connections act as a vital resource for fostering resilience across various aspects of millennial life. Whether through close friendships, family support, community engagement, or professional collaborations, these connections provide a sense of belonging, mutual support, shared experiences, and positive reinforcement that strengthens individuals’ abilities to navigate challenges and bounce back from adversity
