u/Alternative_Joke4055

I swear some Algerians living abroad act like they’re entering an “expedition” into an unknown land when they visit Algeria, not their own country
They get shocked because we have malls, nice cafés, restaurants, large stadiums, universities, delivery apps, and people dressing normally and living regular lives.
The funniest part is their reactions:
“Wow, you have this here?”
“I didn’t expect Algeria to look like this.”

Like… what exactly were you expecting? People chasing sheep in the streets?
Some of them seriously built their entire image of Algeria from old videos or negative news, as if the whole country is just an empty desert with no civilization or modern life.

Of course Algeria has problems, and no Algerian denies that. But the level of shock over completely normal things really shows how weird and outdated some people’s perception of the country is. Especially when they’re surprised by things that already exist in most countries around the world.

I don’t see many people talking about mental health in Algeria the way it deserves, so I thought I’d say something especially during mental health awareness month.
Growing up here, a lot of us were taught to stay silent. Anxiety becomes “just stress,” depression becomes “you’re just overthinking,” and asking for help sometimes feels like admitting weakness. But the truth is… it’s not.
There are people here struggling quietly every single day. Students under pressure. Young adults feeling lost. People dealing with things they can’t even name because no one ever taught them how.

What makes it harder is the lack of awareness, the stigma, and sometimes even access to proper support. Therapy isn’t always easy to find, and when it is, it can feel out of reach for many.
But I’ve also noticed something changing. Slowly. People are starting to open up. Conversations are happening, maybe not loudly, but they’re there. And that matters.
If you’re you’re struggling you’re not alone, even if it feels like it. Your feelings are valid, even if others don’t understand them.
And asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it means you’re trying to survive.

Even small things matter:
Talking to someone you trust
Writing what you feel
Taking a break when everything feels too heavy

We don’t need a perfect system to start caring more about mental health. We just need to stop pretending it doesn’t exist.

If you feel comfortable, share your experience. You never know who might feel less alone because of it.

Take care of yourselves 🤍.