Understanding the Spoon Theory

Have you heard of the spoon theory? Have you ever used it to explain you psoriasis to people who don’t understand your experiences?

You’re certainly not alone. Many chronic illness sufferers across the globe use the spoon theory to explain what it’s like living with chronic illness every day.

Christine Miserandino came up with the theory to help her friend understand her experiences. Using spoons as a metaphor for energy, she says every task she completes in a day “costs” a certain number of spoons — once she’s out of spoons, she has no more energy left. Many psoriasis sufferers experience psoriasis and fatigue which can impact daily life and routines.

As the theory goes, a healthy person doesn’t have to worry about running out, but people with chronic illness must plan their days so they don’t run out of spoons.