Understanding the Spoon Theory

When you suffer from migraine, it can be difficult to express to people what you go through on a daily basis to help them better understand migraines. This is something many people with chronic illness struggle with — being understood.

This is why so many people are now adopting the spoon theory to help others appreciate their experiences. It uses the metaphor of spoons for energy to explain how chronic illness sufferers must plan their days according to their energy and pain levels that day.

The theory’s creator, Christine Miserandino, grabbed some spoons to show her friend what her everyday life is like. For every task she must complete in a day, she took away a spoon — this represents what happens to energy levels as the day goes on — until they were gone.

This theory has made it easier for sufferers to illustrate why they can no longer do everything they wish to, and often helps friends and family understand them better.