Q. I have this thing with symmetry. I NEED symmetry. If, for instance, I hit my elbow on the table, I have to hit my other elbow on the table so that it feels the same as the first one. This goes for anything touching me. It’s also with things and people around me too. I get really uncomfortable when someone has asymmetrical clothes or a hairstyle or anything. I can’t look at them if they won’t change it, because it bugs me and I can’t deal with it! It drives me crazy. I thought I was the only one like that, but it turns out one of my friends is the same way: she needs the same amount of bracelets on each hand, has to be symmetrical, etc. So now that I know it’s not just me, I figure it must be something that happens and isn’t just a weird coincedence. Could you tell me what it is, or help me find someone who could tell me?
A. I had a client who also felt she had to have symmetry. If she had a cut on her left hand, she would cut herself on her right hand to match the cut on her left. This behavior was a symptom of her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD basically is when a person feels they must perform certain activities or rituals in order to feel better or feel safe. A person with OCD might feel very anxious about not conducting their certain activity or ritual. In reality, you do not actually “need” symmetry and it’s an unhealthy behavior for you to let yourself engage in. As you mentioned, it’s something that already bugs you to be point where you cannot deal with it and it drives you crazy. Once something bothers you to the extent that you have described, you should get help for it before it gets any worse and to stop any other obsessive compulsive behaviors from developing. I would suggest you ask your parents about going to see a mental health professional about this. A therapist can help you stop obsessing about symmetry. It’s important to stop it before it rules your life.
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