News
November 09, 2025
Men 'showing up' swimming: Blue Balls shares heart-rending mental health stories
Four years ago, the Blue Balls was formed, a men's wellbeing and cold water dipping group. Now they have created an annual of their stories.
**Men 'Showing Up' Swimming: Blue Balls Shares Heart-rending Mental Health Stories**
What started as a small group of men braving the chilly waters for a shared experience has blossomed into a powerful platform for mental health awareness. Four years ago, the Blue Balls, a men's wellbeing and cold water dipping group, was formed with the simple intention of connecting men through the invigorating act of cold water swimming. Now, they are taking their mission a step further by sharing their deeply personal journeys in a new annual publication.
The Blue Balls, a name chosen with a touch of humor to disarm and encourage open conversation, provides a safe and supportive environment for men to connect, share their struggles, and build camaraderie. The group understands that men often face societal pressures to remain stoic and silent about their emotions, leading to isolation and mental health challenges. Through regular cold water dips and facilitated discussions, the Blue Balls aims to break down these barriers and foster a culture of vulnerability and support.
The annual publication, a collection of stories from members, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the group. These are not just tales of conquering the cold; they are heart-rending accounts of overcoming adversity, battling depression, navigating grief, and finding strength in shared experiences. The stories offer a raw and honest glimpse into the often-hidden struggles that men face, highlighting the importance of seeking help and connecting with others.
The publication aims to reach a wider audience, offering solace and inspiration to men who may be struggling in silence. By sharing their vulnerabilities, the members of the Blue Balls hope to encourage other men to 'show up' for themselves and for each other. They want to demonstrate that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The annual is expected to be released later this month and will be available for purchase, with proceeds going towards supporting the Blue Balls' ongoing efforts to promote men's mental wellbeing and expand their reach within the community. The group hopes that this initiative will spark more conversations about mental health and encourage men to embrace vulnerability and connection.
What started as a small group of men braving the chilly waters for a shared experience has blossomed into a powerful platform for mental health awareness. Four years ago, the Blue Balls, a men's wellbeing and cold water dipping group, was formed with the simple intention of connecting men through the invigorating act of cold water swimming. Now, they are taking their mission a step further by sharing their deeply personal journeys in a new annual publication.
The Blue Balls, a name chosen with a touch of humor to disarm and encourage open conversation, provides a safe and supportive environment for men to connect, share their struggles, and build camaraderie. The group understands that men often face societal pressures to remain stoic and silent about their emotions, leading to isolation and mental health challenges. Through regular cold water dips and facilitated discussions, the Blue Balls aims to break down these barriers and foster a culture of vulnerability and support.
The annual publication, a collection of stories from members, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the group. These are not just tales of conquering the cold; they are heart-rending accounts of overcoming adversity, battling depression, navigating grief, and finding strength in shared experiences. The stories offer a raw and honest glimpse into the often-hidden struggles that men face, highlighting the importance of seeking help and connecting with others.
The publication aims to reach a wider audience, offering solace and inspiration to men who may be struggling in silence. By sharing their vulnerabilities, the members of the Blue Balls hope to encourage other men to 'show up' for themselves and for each other. They want to demonstrate that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The annual is expected to be released later this month and will be available for purchase, with proceeds going towards supporting the Blue Balls' ongoing efforts to promote men's mental wellbeing and expand their reach within the community. The group hopes that this initiative will spark more conversations about mental health and encourage men to embrace vulnerability and connection.
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Politics