How many spoons do you have today? The Spoon Theory explains why energy is precious to chronically ill.
Anyone who knows the "Spoon Theory" knows that the day does not start with endless power, but with a limited number of spoons. And every move costs one of them.
So far you haven't heard of the spoon theory? No problem, find out here why it contributes to more attention and acceptance of chronically ill people.
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This is the spoon theory
The spoon theory (English spoon theory)is a metaphor for how much energy people with chronic illness or exhaustion have every day. Each spoon stands for a portion of energy - and there is only a limited number of them.
Things like getting up, showering or shopping cost one or more spoons. If all spoons are consumed, nothing works - no matter how much you have even done.
The Spoon Theory was developed in 2003 by the American blogger Christine Miserandino, who suffers from the chronic illness Lupus. In order to explain to a friend how it is for her to live with her illness every day, she illustrated her explanation with the help of twelve spoons.
The spoons stood for the energy that she has available every day. She listed her daily to-dos and took one or more spoons away every time to show how much energy can already rob her of the smallest tasks.
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The spoon reserves of chronically ill people disappear much faster than in healthy people
While healthy people have to worry about the division of their energy, it is a new challenge for chronically ill people every day to divide their "spoons". On days with stronger complaints, small tasks can cost several spoons, so that the energy reserves are used much faster than in healthy people.
If all spoons are used in one day, chronically ill people have to use the spoons for the next day. However, this also means that less spoons are available from the start on the following day.
Incidentally, the spoon theory is not only applicable for chronically ill, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, lupus or migraine, but also suitable for people with depression or anxiety disorders.
Something else important at the end: This article is only intended for information. Do not hesitate to take advantage of professional help if you have massive problems and worries. Nobody has to get through all difficult phases of life alone. In this sense: all the best and take care of you!
