John Junior (born October 4, 1988), also known as The Duckman, is a British mental health activist, actor, and TikTok creator. They are known for their appearance in the documentary series Hollyoaks: IRL.[1][2][3] In November 2019, they founded the mental health movement "John and Charlie's Journey" to raise awareness about suicide and mental illness.[4][5] They travel across the UK accompanied by a stuffed toy named Charlie, which they carry for comfort.[6]
Junior was born with Klinefelter syndrome and began experiencing mental health issues at the age of 11, including low mood and uncertainty about their gender identity.[7] They identify as genderfluid.[8]
Personal life
In 2017, Junior was prescribed sertraline to treat depression and anxiety but stopped taking the medication during the coronavirus lockdown due to side effects.They now manage their mental health with exercise and meditation.[9]
In 2018, following the sudden death of their father from a heart attack, Junior experienced mental health difficulties, including substance misuse and suicidal ideation.They began daily use of alcohol and cocaine and were diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in August 2019.[10][11][12]
Junior lives with obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), and it causes distress related to food, including a need to eat food using metal tongs.[13] Their OCD has also contributed to suicidal thoughts.[14]
Activism
In 2019, Junior began vlogging on Instagram about their experiences with mental health.[15]
In May 2020, they tested the Samaritans' self-help app during Mental Health Awareness Week.[16] Junior shared their mental health struggles to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2020.[17]
In November 2019, Junior launched the mental health movement "John and Charlie's Journey".[17] Accompanied by Charlie the Duck, a stuffed toy, they encouraged open conversations about mental health.[18][19]
In September 2020, Junior launched the DBT forAll campaign to improve access to dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) through the NHS. The initiative received support from MP Esther McVey, who requested a parliamentary debate at Westminster Hall.[20][21]
During the first UK COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, Junior experienced suicidal thoughts. They later credited a Hollyoaks suicide storyline with changing their mindset and encouraging them to seek support.[24][25]
In a BBC podcast, Junior and actor Ashley Taylor Dawson discussed a Hollyoaks suicide storyline that Junior credited with saving there life. Dawson who portrays Darren Osborne, was part of the storyline.[26][27]
In 2021, Channel 4 commissioned Lime Pictures to produce Hollyoaks: IRL, a series of short films featuring real-life stories. Junior appeared in the first episode, titled Hollyoaks Saved My Life, released on 16 June 2021.[28][29] The series was nominated for the BAFTA TV award in the Short Form Programme category in 2022.[30][31][32][33]
In February 2022, Junior appeared in episode six of Gross Up, a British factual entertainment series produced by True North Productions and commissioned by E4.[36] The programme follows six participants whose personal belongings are sent to a laboratory for scientific testing to identify viruses and bacteria. In Junior’s episode, microbiologists identified gut bacteria on some of their personal items.[37][38][39]
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