In a world where the stigmatization of mental illness often alienates the vulnerable, one young man in his 30s, known online as Brown Popsy, is being celebrated across social media for his remarkable act of love and devotion.
Despite the heavy burden that caring for a mentally ill loved one can place on a family, Brown has become an inspiration by publicly sharing his journey of caring for his mother, Grace Ayanga, who struggles with a mental disorder.
Through videos posted on various platforms, Brown Popsy has shared intimate glimpses of the compassion and patience he extends to his mother.
These posts have garnered widespread admiration from users, with many hailing his efforts as a beacon of hope.
However, Brown insists that his path has not been without its difficulties.
In a recent interview with a local television station, he reflected on his experience.
“For you to care for someone like my mother, you need to first love that person,” he said.
The duo’s daily life is often marked by moments of public stigmatization.
Brown recounted a particularly painful incident while taking his mother to the market.
“A lady entered the car and refused to sit next to my mother, even though there was space for another passenger,” he recalled.
Despite these challenges, Brown views his mission as his calling.
He has urged others facing similar situations to stand by their loved ones no matter the adversity.
“I get a lot of kind words from social media users,” he said. “One lady even told me that she has been motivated to start caring for her mother, too.”
Though he has taken his mother to various hospitals, her condition has shown no signs of improvement.
Yet, Brown remains steadfast in his faith, believing that love and care are just as important as medical treatment.
He has also expressed hope that divine intervention will one day heal his mother.
Thanks to his unwavering love, Mama Grace no longer roams the streets in torn sackcloth.
Instead, with Brown’s support, she has regained some of her independence, even taking steps like washing her own clothes.
In Cameroon, it is common to find mentally ill people roaming the streets and sometimes causing a nuisance at public places.
Family members easily disown their mentally ill relatives, with very few people willing to take upon the difficult task of caring for them.
Reports say at least 2,700 patients are on the streets all over Cameroon with more than 400 in the commercial capital city Douala. In 2019, just 1,300 mental health patients could be counted roaming the streets.
Brown Popsy’s act is not only an inspiration for other people with mentally ill relatives but also a call to action.
