Understanding the Spoon Theory

When dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), explaining yourself is a constant reality. Explaining your behavior, experiences, and related pain seems to be a necessary evil to make people understand chronic illness.

People with chronic illness across the globe are now using Christine Miserandino’s spoon theory to help others better understand what they’re going through.

As the story goes, Christine was trying to make her friend understand her experiences with lupus. She used spoons as a representation of energy, saying each activity she does in a day “costs” a certain amount of spoons.

A typical “healthy” person has a high or unlimited amount of spoons, but those with chronic illness must pace themselves and plan their day according to the amount of spoons they hold.

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