Dr Matteo Pizzo 2021-08-28 Person 1 5 0

I saw Dr Pizzo having asked my GP for an assessment to address extreme emotional distress, high-level social anxiety, social awkwardness and suicidal ideation (I have two suicide attempts to my name). Right from the start, Dr Pizzo had me talk through all the most traumatic events of my life, from start to finish–something I find the worst possible trigger in mental health appointments. Despite seeing I was beginning to experience significant emotional pain, he didn't stop me or divert my attention, instead allowing me to spiral further and further in on myself. To make matters worse, he began to suggest courses of action that I would find impossible, including volunteering–since I am unable to work and, to his mind, lack daily structure–despite my having told him I dread social interactions with any but my closest friends. It was as if he were addressing a list of symptoms, rather than a human being with unique difficulties. I felt unheard and ignored. I left the session more suicidal than I had been in months.