Lisbon Monuments Illuminate for OCD Awareness
Three iconic Portuguese monuments will be bathed in petroleum blue lighting this month as part of a powerful awareness campaign for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In Greater Lisbon, the special illumination will transform the Palácio de Oeiras and Cristo Rei, while in Porto, the Torre dos Clérigos will join this meaningful initiative.
Photo: Tsuguliev / Shutterstock.com
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
In a statement to Lisboa Secreta, the organization POCDF – POC Doentes e FamĂlia explained they're joining the OCD Awareness Week (October 13-19) to educate Portuguese citizens about this serious and chronic mental health condition.
OCD is characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform to relieve anxiety. Common examples include compulsive hand washing, the need to keep everything symmetrical, or excessive checking of doors and switches.
Photo: mairu10 / Shutterstock.com
The Alarming Statistics of OCD in Portugal
The numbers reveal a startling reality: more than 540,000 Portuguese people suffer from OCD - approximately one in every 20 citizens. Many may not even realize they're living with this condition.
Perhaps most concerning is the average diagnosis time of over 12 years, highlighting the critical need for greater public awareness and understanding of this disorder.
When and Where to See the Blue Illumination
If you want to witness these monuments transformed by petroleum blue lighting, here are the specific dates and locations:
- Palácio da Câmara de Oeiras – October 15
- Cristo Rei (Almada) – October 17, 18, and 19
- Torre dos Clérigos (Porto) – October 19
This visual campaign aims to shine a light on a condition that affects hundreds of thousands of Portuguese people while promoting understanding and reducing stigma around mental health issues.
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