Understanding the Spoon Theory

For the millions of people in the world living with chronic illness, it can be difficult to explain your condition to others. This is the everyday frustration of a chronic illness sufferer: not being understood.

For Christine Miserandino, it was her best friend not understanding her experience having lupus that drove her to come up with the spoon theory.

Using spoons as a metaphor for energy, she explained each activity she completes in a day “costs” a certain amount of spoons. Once she runs out, she has no more energy left for that day.

As the theory goes, a typical “healthy” person has a high or unlimited amount of spoons and doesn’t have to worry about running out. However, those with chronic illness must pace themselves and plan their day according to the amount of spoons they hold.

Chronic illness sufferers across the globe are now using Christine’s theory to help others better understand what they’re going through.