{"id":295633,"url":"\/ballers\/","layout":"standard","version":"2023-01-18T22:51:29.000000Z","blocks":[{"id":2254065,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[{"id":2254066,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":42407818,"value":"

\u201c<\/strong>For me, I had been going through a rough patch with my mental health, and I needed to do something to make a positive change.

When I decided to go for my first dip I was really anxious, and I woke up in the morning not wanting to go. I forced myself to and have never regretted It. Straight away I received the warmest welcome from the group and felt so at ease.

Being a part of the EBB, I've become more confident and comfortable with my own body. Putting on a pair of budgy smugglers can do wonders for a person! Personally, the dips themselves help me hugely when I'm struggling, and often I don't even mention how I'm feeling. Just being around the group and being able to talk freely has a huge positive impact on my mental health. I also try to stay active, including playing rugby and getting out for walks with the dog and meeting friends.

One thing I didn't expect from EBB is the bonds I\u2019ve created within the group. I\u2019ve met some amazing people with some incredible stories. And I can genuinely say I've met people who bring out the best in me. Not only that, I am constantly learning more and more about people and their cultures and experiences \u2013 how we all are different from one another yet still share so many interests and values.

I love the community we have built, anyone is accepted and welcomed with open arms. The way that the group has grown in so many different ways is a credit to Marc and to all the Blue Ballers\u201d

<\/strong> - Johnnie McMillan<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":42407819,"value":"#fff"},"onTop":{"id":42407820,"value":"1"}}}],"properties":{"align":{"id":42407804,"value":"center"},"fullWidth":{"id":42407805,"value":"0"},"padding":{"id":42407806,"value":"6"},"borderRadius":{"id":42407807,"value":"4px"},"directionOnMobile":{"id":42407808,"value":"bottom"},"directionOnDesktop":{"id":42407809,"value":"left"},"backgroundImage":{"id":42407810,"value":"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/3hzdg8ax38jp4ghgowxilhrc87kwx80kronojnm6qoqvab6j.jpeg.jpeg?fy=0.48380485943670626&v=2"},"backgroundColor":{"id":42407811,"value":"#000"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":42407812,"value":"1"},"ratio":{"id":42407813,"value":"4:3"},"template":{"id":42407814,"value":"testimonial"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":42407815,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":42407816,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":42407817,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":2254146,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[{"id":2254147,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":42409261,"value":"

\u201c<\/strong>When I joined the Blue Balls I was going through a tough time and was trying to work on myself to be a better person. I wanted to try something different to open up more to new things for my mental and emotional wellbeing.

I saw the Blue Balls mentioned in an Instagram story from a popular food blogger. So, without thinking about it too much, I showed up to a Sunday service and was welcomed by all. I enjoyed my first dip. It was in January and it was bloody freezing. But, the friendliness of everyone made the cold water bearable\u2026 for like 5 minutes!

Being part of the Blue Balls means I get the chance to meet some incredible new people from all walks of life who are all so caring and positive towards each other. I would consider everyone I\u2019ve met a friend in some way or another. I also get the chance to share experiences such as dipping in the sea, going to Foxlake, cliff jumping or just sharing a beer at a social event.

It also means I always have a safe space to open up about any minor or major issues I may have going on and I\u2019m able to speak out, seek advice or even just have an ear to listen. This all rounds up to helping my health physically and mentally.

I've also started meeting with close friends more often to talk things out over a coffee or beer. I\u2019ve also been using @govoxwellbeing<\/a> check in which I use through @musselburghrfc<\/a>. It\u2019s a great voluntary check in service which allows people to answer quick questions on how they have been the last month. It then gives impartial advice and self help resources immediately based on your answers but also gives you the chance to speak to someone at the club in an informal and personal manner.\u201d

<\/strong> - James Ferguson (Sax)<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":42409262,"value":"#fff"},"onTop":{"id":42409263,"value":"1"}}}],"properties":{"align":{"id":42409247,"value":"center"},"fullWidth":{"id":42409248,"value":"0"},"padding":{"id":42409249,"value":"6"},"borderRadius":{"id":42409250,"value":"4px"},"directionOnMobile":{"id":42409251,"value":"top"},"directionOnDesktop":{"id":42409252,"value":"right"},"backgroundImage":{"id":42409253,"value":"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/7ridgyst8xud51yh8accmj2gxwoxa25lgydsytw5ladmpq5a.jpeg.jpeg?fy=0.37582519565316475&v=2"},"backgroundColor":{"id":42409254,"value":"#000"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":42409255,"value":"1"},"ratio":{"id":42409256,"value":"short"},"template":{"id":42409257,"value":"testimonial"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":42409258,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":42409259,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":42409260,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":2254148,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[{"id":2254213,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":42410513,"value":"

\u201c<\/strong>After shielding through lockdown, I\u2019d made a promise to myself to \u2018say yes\u2019 to more new things. And a friend encouraged me to try a dip with EBB.

My first dip was on a typical grey Edinburgh day. As I got closer to the group of guys already gathered I started to get really anxious. I was worried about if people would like me or not, which is pretty crazy seeing as I was about to walk into freezing cold water. But it was too late to run! After a few seconds in the water, I definitely wasn\u2019t worried about what anyone else was thinking! And, before I realised it, my friend had wandered off and I was easily chatting away to complete strangers!

I was immediately hooked. I think something about freezing your balls off with a group of people bonds you. It felt really easy to talk to everyone in Blue Balls. And, I hadn\u2019t expected how much the relationships with the other guys \u2013 the kindness and positivity \u2013 would boost my confidence in my everyday life.

I struggle with PTSD and have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (sort of like arthritis). So I work hard to keep my mental and physical health up as best I can. I\u2019m a firm believer in counselling\/therapy. For me, it\u2019s about having someone impartial to talk to and help me come up with solutions that work best for me. And I\u2019ve always tried to keep active and fit. I used to play rugby - which I\u2019ve swapped for weights and Pilates. I also walk a lot and use principles of Japanese \u201cForest bathing\u201d to help centre myself! The pandemic knocked me out of some of those healthier routines. But, joining EBB has been one of the triggers for getting me back into it. The guys have become a great additional support system. And having the extra push to get out doors and be in water, which I love, is amazing.

Ultimately, I think every time you get into cold water it\u2019s a little challenge to yourself. And every time you overcome it it\u2019s a little victory that reminds you that you can do anything! And that little bit of triumph every few days on top of the encouragement and support from the other guys eventually adds up to a whole-lot of good in your life\u201d

<\/strong> - Harry Dozier<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":42410514,"value":"#fff"},"onTop":{"id":42410515,"value":"1"}}}],"properties":{"fullWidth":{"id":42409275,"value":"0"},"padding":{"id":42409276,"value":"6"},"borderRadius":{"id":42409277,"value":"4px"},"directionOnMobile":{"id":42409278,"value":"top"},"directionOnDesktop":{"id":42409279,"value":"right"},"backgroundImage":{"id":42409280,"value":"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/gdafuwnbsaena5grpybq7oliqaombiqrspeylua4mhzqfhhv.jpeg.jpeg?fy=0.2523052275857629&v=2"},"backgroundColor":{"id":42409281,"value":"#060606"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":42409282,"value":"1"},"ratio":{"id":42409283,"value":"wide"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":42409285,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":42409286,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":42409287,"value":"[]"},"align":{"id":42410511,"value":"center"},"template":{"id":42410512,"value":"testimonial"}}},{"id":2254309,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":3,"items":[{"id":2254550,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":42416475,"value":"

\u201c<\/strong>I was going through one of the most difficult periods I've experienced in my life when I first thought about joining Blueballs. My anxiety was through the roof & I was desperate to try whatever I could to help me through. I felt utterly lost. So you could say that desperation initially triggered my interest, & eventually I bit the bullet & thought 'sod it!'

My first dip was terrifying. There was snow on the beach, my head was all over the place, I had major body confidence issues, and I'd barely slept the night before. However, I figured that whatever pain lay ahead was no worse than what was going on inside my head. Walking into the water with a group of guys I barely knew turned out to be one of the most wonderful, energising, life-affirming things I've ever done - & I've not looked back since.

Cold water re-calibrates my mind & muffles the 'chatter' in my head. I forget about my stresses, & what might happen in the future - it's all about the now.

I've always felt nervous about joining big groups of 'lads' in the past. I\u2019m gay, & a chronic worrier, & I\u2019ve often been concerned that I'd have to apologise for who I am, or pretend to be someone that I'm not. Blueballs has completely turned that fear on its head! It feels amazing to be part of a group where I can be my authentic self. There's no agenda. I've loved everything - from the deep-and-meaningful chats to the nonsense and banter - it's like a big reassuring hug that keeps on giving!

It\u2019s largely those connections that keep me coming back time and time again.

Ultimately I'm in a much better place than I was this time last year, when I was taking my first, tentative steps onto a freezing, snow-covered beach.

As well as the dips, I get a lot of comfort in being in the great outdoors in general. I\u2019m a total nature nerd, so I know that a good stomp up a hill, wandering through a forest, or just stopping and connecting with nature all help calm my brain.\u201d

<\/strong> - Karl Stevens
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\u201c<\/strong>Before I came to blueballs I had actually never wore smugglers or speedos of any sorts in public. Let alone in a huge group of guys in the freezing cold going into the sea.

I have always struggled with my body, and I still do, but what I have come to learn at Blueballs is that nobody there cares. I have played rugby for 20 years and up until I was 21\/22 I would shower in my boxers or shorts. So to be outdoors and \u2018exposed\u2019 in speedos was always a terrifying prospect until I came to Blueballs.

After a friendly nudge of encouragement from one of my closest friends and a fellow blue baller I done my first dip in smugglers that I bought 4 years ago and had never worn until that day. And now I wear them every dip and have even splashed out on a second pair.

I still have huge self esteem and body confidence issues, don\u2019t get me wrong they won\u2019t go away overnight, but being in a safe space with so many folk who I know aren\u2019t judging me is such a wonderful feeling. And I know that over time this will hopefully keep improving how I feel.\u201d

<\/strong> - Colin Arthur (Coco)<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":42414753,"value":"#fff"},"onTop":{"id":42414754,"value":"1"}}}],"properties":{"align":{"id":42414738,"value":"center"},"fullWidth":{"id":42414739,"value":"0"},"padding":{"id":42414740,"value":"6"},"borderRadius":{"id":42414741,"value":"4px"},"directionOnMobile":{"id":42414742,"value":"top"},"directionOnDesktop":{"id":42414743,"value":"right"},"backgroundImage":{"id":42414744,"value":"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/qmpm5lpvkxkt42tgxkgzryngkvhsf0kg4mzp4beuo7g09zkn.jpeg"},"backgroundColor":{"id":42414745,"value":"#000"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":42414746,"value":"1"},"ratio":{"id":42414747,"value":"short"},"template":{"id":42414748,"value":"testimonial"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":42414749,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":42414750,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":42414751,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":2288359,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":5,"items":[{"id":2288360,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":43285657,"value":"

\u201c1 years dipping anniversary. Thank you all so much. I first came this time last year as part of doddie aid, never thought it would be something I would get into as I\u2019ve never liked being cold. But the warmth, kindness and welcoming nature of the blueballs really is something special. <\/strong><\/p>

I didn\u2019t realise how much I needed a group like this. For a long time I had been playing a character in public and a very different person in private. With the support I\u2019ve had from you guys has made me waken up and address my mental health challenges. I feel I\u2019ve become a better person as a result.

<\/strong> - Simon Hill <\/p>

@simonhillhair <\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":43285658,"value":"#fff"},"onTop":{"id":43285659,"value":"1"}}}],"properties":{"align":{"id":43285643,"value":"center"},"fullWidth":{"id":43285644,"value":"0"},"padding":{"id":43285645,"value":"6"},"borderRadius":{"id":43285646,"value":"4px"},"directionOnMobile":{"id":43285647,"value":"top"},"directionOnDesktop":{"id":43285648,"value":"right"},"backgroundImage":{"id":43285649,"value":"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/oc7uewkbfcujpht7vibsohxxdhogdhxsulv6ioy0gdvsfj7h.png"},"backgroundColor":{"id":43285650,"value":"#000"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":43285651,"value":"1"},"ratio":{"id":43285652,"value":"short"},"template":{"id":43285653,"value":"testimonial"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":43285654,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":43285655,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":43285656,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":2639828,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":6,"items":[{"id":2639829,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":52802802,"value":"

\u201c<\/strong>It was 2016 and I found myself sitting in my car outside the office with a total numbness over me. I couldn't face another day in that place and realised that I had been feeling that way for some time. I was depressed, didn't sleep and generally was just having a tough time. I realised I needed help and after consulting with my GP I was referred for an assessment which confirmed my expectations. I was diagnosed with PTSD after years spent in uniform and evidenced all the symptoms, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, hyperarousal (being permanently vigilant), negative alterations in mood and cognitions, OCD and functional impairment in the occupational and social areas of my life.<\/p>

I only had the support of my wife and kids so turned to sport to try and help me cope. I enjoyed the cold water training swims but wanted to experience cold water immersion as an alternative therapy. In my search I came across Edinburgh Blueballs on Facebook. I was hesitant at first but managed to scrape the courage together and met them at the beach one Sunday morning. I was very nervous but everyone was friendly and encouraging. The first dip was cold for me and it was the first time without a wetsuit. I was only in for a short period of time but I felt so good. I felt really happy from the chemical reactions in the body after immersion and that was supported by the bunch of amazing guys around me.<\/p>

Since then I have started developing a group of friends that I can share my most inner thoughts with and not be judged. I have even found myself going to speak to people instead of waiting for them to engage with me. Blueballs have changed my life.<\/p>

I still run, cycle and swim and still have ambitions of completing my 2nd half Ironman but that type of training, in itself, can be quite toxic for me. I can use my dips with the Blueballs to balance out the emotions and know that the non-judgmental support is there if I need it.<\/p>

If I knew all of this when I was diagnosed I would have saved myself a lot of anguish but all I can say now to those who are still to venture out into the water is to take your time. Speak to the friendly guys and they will support you. You will be in caring hands\u201d

<\/strong> - Marius Pelser<\/p>

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\u201c<\/strong>I got a blue balls tattoo because the group has had such a huge impact on me. Moving to Edinburgh I knew no one and leaving the Highlands meant the counselling I had stopped too. I\u2019m really proud to part such a great group, a bunch of men who build each other up and support each other. A group who I can be myself around. I got it on my shoulder as a reminder that no matter how tough a day I\u2019m having, 1 I have the group there that I know I can trust in for support and 2 that a quick dip will make every situation better.
The cold water makes me feel alive and powerful. If I can get myself into water that cold I can do anything. I especially love the feeling of waves and currents, of being controlled by the water but of still having control of the outcome of it. I feel the water gives me a strength that sometimes I need reminding of. A reminder that I can\u2019t control what goes on but I can control how I react to a situation.
There\u2019s also the association of the water with my brother. In 2019 he attempted to take his life by jumping into a river, this was his way of ending his pain or of erasing his problems, I don\u2019t know exactly because he has never spoken about it fully. So for him the water was taking something away, for me it gives me so much.
The group has given me the best social life I have had in a long time, it\u2019s helped me to find who I am again. I lost my identity when I was married but my partner Lauren and the Blue Balls have helped me find me again.
The group dynamic is what makes the group so special, young old or middle aged. Straight gay or bisexual. Scottish English European. Fit unfit none of it matters, we are all just Blue Ballers. I played in football teams for years but I\u2019ve never been involved in a team like this. No labels just a bunch of guys being themselves.
I don\u2019t know which gives me the biggest benefit, the group or the water. Both give me so much, the water washes away the negativity, the bad thoughts and the stresses of life. The group is supportive, full of advice, uplifting and full of humour. It\u2019s everything you want in a friend group.
.\u201d

<\/strong> - Your Customer<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":52806785,"value":"#fff"},"onTop":{"id":52806786,"value":"1"}}}],"properties":{"align":{"id":52806770,"value":"center"},"fullWidth":{"id":52806771,"value":"0"},"padding":{"id":52806772,"value":"6"},"borderRadius":{"id":52806773,"value":"4px"},"directionOnMobile":{"id":52806774,"value":"top"},"directionOnDesktop":{"id":52806775,"value":"right"},"backgroundImage":{"id":52806776,"value":"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/0qozakujzg7lwimd0vnlr6jm2a2nuhhuanmxwtqrtledv4vc.jpeg"},"backgroundColor":{"id":52806777,"value":"#000"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":52806778,"value":"1"},"ratio":{"id":52806779,"value":"short"},"template":{"id":52806780,"value":"testimonial"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":52806781,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":52806782,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":52806783,"value":"[]"}}}],"properties":{"title":{"id":42407798,"value":"Ballers"},"isStorePage":{"id":42407799,"value":"1"},"description":{"id":42407800,"value":"Meet some of the Blue Ballers"},"ogImage":{"id":42407803,"value":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/rh3f9m7yqdkdclqjptjqnuqhvdrb487axfm2m5jgmnzbnntl.jpg.jpg?w=1200&h=auto"}},"labels":[],"published":1,"sitemap":1,"divisionId":168215,"edited":true}