What is the Spoon Theory?

The Spoon Theory was created by Christine Miserandino as a way for a chronically ill person to describe their ability to do things. It explains how our energy and ability is limited, and how it can change from day to day. This is why chronically ill people are often called “Spoonies”. Here’s an example:

I wake up every day with a certain number of spoons. Some days, I wake up with lots of spoons, other days, I wake up with just a few. Activities cost spoons, and some activities cost more than others. 

Let’s say today I woke up with 25 spoons. Getting out of bed costs 1 spoon. Brushing my teeth costs 1 spoon. Putting on my clothes costs 2 spoons. Putting on my shoes and leg braces costs 1 spoon. Taking my medicine costs 1 spoon. I’ve used 6 spoons already and I haven’t even left my house!

School costs 12 spoons. I come home and do some chores, spending another 3 spoons. Eating dinner and spending time with my family costs 1 spoon. Showering and getting ready for bed uses my last 3 spoons. I’m very tired, as I’ve used all of my spoons, so I go to bed.

Who can identify as a spoonie?

Anyone with a long-term condition who feels it accurately describes their experiences! This is includes people with long-term physical illnesses (such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, fibromyalgia, CFS/ME, arthritis, etc.) and people with long-term mental illnesses (such as depression). Anyone with a chronic/long-term condition can identify as a spoonie!