John Junior, a 34-year-old English man, has captured the attention of millions through a TikTok video showcasing his unique eating style. In the clip, he can be seen using metal tongs to enjoy his meals, including a burger. While this may seem unconventional to many, there’s a deeper reason behind it.
You see, John has an intense fear of touching food directly with his hands. It may sound strange, but for him, it’s a real challenge. This fear stems from his struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions. His phobia began after a food poisoning incident in 2013 caused by eating undercooked chicken.
To cope with this fear, John carries three sets of metal tongs with him at all times. These tongs serve as a comforting shield, ensuring his sense of safety during meals. “I just can’t physically touch the food. In my head, I think I will die,” John explained in an interview. “I’ve got it nailed down pretty well now. I can eat all sorts. I even eat soup with it. It doesn’t take me any extra time.”
While John’s phobia used to be more extreme, limiting him to only eating cookies, he has made progress and can now have proper meals. However, his condition still affects him deeply, causing anxiety and even panic attacks at times. It’s like constantly being under control.
Despite facing criticism for his unconventional eating style, John remains steadfast in sharing his daily struggles on social media. His aim is to raise awareness and help others understand what he goes through. He knows that unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, it’s hard to fully comprehend. But by sharing his experiences, he hopes to make others feel less alone and encourage them not to suffer in silence.
John also emphasizes the importance of not dismissing or invalidating someone’s challenges. Online hate and judgment can prevent people from opening up about their own struggles. He urges everyone to express how they feel and seek support when needed. His message is clear: your experience is valid, and sharing it can help someone else.
In addition to sharing his story, John has a trusted companion named Charlie, a toy duck. Charlie provides him with much-needed mental stability and brings joy to others as well. In his own words, “Charlie doesn’t just help me, he helps so many people on social media and in real life. He makes people smile and happy. Laughing is the best form of medicine.”
John’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite his challenges, he continues to face them head-on, raising awareness and inspiring others. His story reminds us that we should never underestimate the power of compassion and understanding.
