1. Dr. Dan Fisher and Lauren Spiro both have recovered from schizophrenia with which they were diagnosed when they were young. Both now are devoting their lives to teaching others how to overcome emotional crises. What struck you as interesting/inspiring/troubling about their stories?
2. Do you know anyone who has recovered from serious mental illness? If so, tell about the circumstamces of their illness and their recovery.
3. Dan and Lauren talk about the primacy of relationships in recovery – a heart-to-heart connection with another caring human being. Why do you think that this is so important in recovery?
4. Dan mentioned that there is too little heart-to-heart connection in conventional psychiatry and therapy, and stated that this is an indightment of mental health care as currently practiced. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
5. Dan is very proud of his work on President Bush’s New Freedom Commission, in which he insisted that “recovery” be the model that they were holding up. What is your opinion?
6. Lauren Spiro kept quiet about her early diagnosis and hospitalization for schizophrenia for 30 years. Why do you think she kept quiet? Would you have done the same?
7. What do you think made Lauren want to start and speak out of her experience as a mental patient?
8. What do you think of the premise of Emotional CPR? i.e. that recovery from an emotional crisis can come from connecting to others, empowering the person with the crisis, and revitalizing their lives?

For resources see: Resources Mentioned in the Show

Disclaimer:
These questions are to provide family and peer discussion and education. The information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition. If you think someone is too fragile to be part of the discussion, please have them consult their mental health care provider for individual advice regarding the situation.