The striking similarities between physical health AND mental health challenges
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have limited physical or mental health resources to manage your day? Recently, a friend sent me an article about The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino. As I read, I realized there are distinct parallels between individuals who have physical health challenges and mental health challenges.
The Spoon Theory explains the challenges that individuals with lupus face daily. The theory begins with the basic idea that you only have a limited number of spoons in a day because of your illness, and you must choose how to use your spoons amongst all your activities of daily living. In addition, spoons can be taken away from you unexpectedly because you are unwell.
Healthy individuals are not limited in this way. Spoons (also known as energy or bandwith) are endless for individuals that don’t suffer from any kind of physical or mental illness. But if you do, every decision is about how many spoons you have, and what you need to accomplish today.
How many spoons do I have versus need?
- Sometimes getting out of bed and taking a shower requires too many spoons.
- Other days basic tasks like responding to phone messages or emails is not possible because that energy or spoon is needed to go and get groceries or attend an appointment.
- Going to work may require many spoons.
- A fun social event may seem easy to someone not suffering from mental or physical health challenges, but the spoons required may exceed the daily quota.
What does not enough spoons look like to the friends and family members of someone suffering from mental health challenges? They may:
- Cancel at the last moment. Reason: not enough spoons to attend the event.
- Not respond to phone, email, or social media messages in a timely manner. Reason: not enough spoons.
- Appear as if they don’t care about the impact on you of changes or cancellations, but what is really going on is they don’t have spoons to participate right now.
Please don’t be offended. Instead ask them how you can help replenish their supply of spoons!
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges please reach out for help. Click the link to send me a private message about a 15 minute free consultation or click the link to schedule an appointment.
Listening. Guiding. Caring.
