Understanding the Spoon Theory

When others can’t see an illness, they assume it isn’t there. This is something people with chronic illness must face every day. If you have osteoporosis, it can be extremely difficult to make people understand what you’re going through when they can’t see what’s ailing you.

This is where the spoon theory comes in handy. The spoon theory was created by Christine Miserandino, who needed a metaphor to help explain her experience with lupus.

With the spoons representing energy, she explained that she has a certain number of spoons each day, and each task she completes “costs” a certain amount of spoons. She must ration her spoons every day to ensure she doesn’t run out of them before the day is over or she will be dealing with fatigue.

Read on to learn more about the spoon theory and how to join in on the conversation yourself.