"We wanted to create a group where men can be men and be themselves, and not have to prove anything to anyone else, and that's what we have created and I'm really proud of the group. Cold water makes me feel completely present and at one with the environment, you can't really think about anything else other than the cold water because it is so cold, and the feeling after is the one for me, nobody ever feels worse than coming out of the water than when they went in" - Tom, CO-Founder of Blueballs.
"I got diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager, so ever since then I've suffered massively with my mental health. I had a very dysfunctional relationship with alcohol and drugs, which I used as a coping mechanism, but I've been sober now for 6 years. Cold water swimming for me gives me a complete reset mentally and emotionally, It's great for my mindset and wellbeing and acts as a positive distraction" - Ross, Co-Founder of Blueballs
Do you think there is a stigma between males when opening up about their mental health?
Unfortunately, there is still a huge stigma and shame around men's mental health. 75% of suicides are men and Cornwall has the 3rd highest suicide rate in the UK. Similar to Man Down who we are closely aligned to, Blue Balls is a safe place where men can be themselves without having to prove anything to anybody. I'm very proud of the community we have created.
How has the Blueballs community helped you?
Cold water swimming has fundamentally changed my life. I wanted to share my experiences and create a community where others can feel part of something as poor mental health can sometimes make you feel like you're on your own. Blue Balls is nothing without the guys that turn up each week and the fact they do, is something very special to me and a feeling that Ross and I will never take for granted.
If you fancy joining in with the BlueBalls follow there page here @blueballscornwall
#letstalkaboutit