Navigating Life with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Embracing the Spoon Theory
By Aideen Stack, Health Psychologist @wholehealthpsychology
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, brings a unique set of challenges for a person. The constant unpredictability of symptoms and energy levels can be difficult to explain to others. It is also challenging to acknowledge and accept when your energy may be low, or symptoms flaring, often forcing your life to stop in its tracks. The mental and emotional impact of not always doing what you want to do can be one of the most difficult parts of living with an IBD.
In such situations, the Spoon Theory (by Christine Miserandino,) offers an insightful way to explain the daily struggles of managing IBD symptoms while juggling life's demands.
What is the Spoon Theory?
Imagine starting each day with a handful of spoons, each symbolising the energy needed to complete tasks. For individuals with IBD, these spoons also represent their physical and emotional capacity to navigate their day. The Spoon Theory provides a tangible way to explain why seemingly simple tasks like getting dressed, preparing meals, or socialising can be immensely draining.
Managing your Spoon Reserves:
The Spoon Theory emphasises the importance of self-awareness and pacing. People with limited energy must prioritise their tasks to avoid running out of spoons prematurely. This means making choices that others might take for granted, like deciding between going out for dinner or conserving energy for a social event later in the week. By managing their spoon reserves, individuals can better balance their energy levels and engage in activities that truly matter to them.
Breaking Down Stigma and Building Self - Compassion:
The Spoon Theory has played a pivotal role in breaking down the stigma surrounding chronic illnesses like IBD. It allows individuals to communicate their experiences in a way that's relatable and easy to understand. Sharing the concept with friends, family, and colleagues can foster empathy and help create a support system that acknowledges the daily struggles of living with IBD. Not only is it useful to explain your energy reserves to others, but also to yourself. Each morning, have a check in with yourself, asking “how many spoons do I have available today?” and adjust your daily tasks accordingly. Some days, you may have a full 4 spoons and so you can go to work, do a workout, cook dinner. Other days it may be a one or two spoon day, with less reserves you may need to cut back on energy output by resting, taking the day off work, or cancelling socialising plans.
The Challenges of Managing Spoons with IBD:
Every decision in the life of someone with IBD carries the weight of spoon allocation. On a good day, they might have more spoons to use; on a bad day, even basic activities like showering, making a meal or calling a friend, can feel like a monumental task. This unpredictability makes planning life difficult, and the fear of running out of spoons before the day is done can lead to anxiety and stress.
Prioritising Self-Care and Energy Management:
Individuals with IBD often become experts in energy conservation and self-care. The Spoon Theory encourages the prioritisation of tasks and events based on energy levels. For instance, you might choose between attending a social gathering and conserving energy for work or medical appointments. This practice empowers them to make choices that support your overall well-being.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease presents a lifelong journey of managing symptoms, medications, and energy levels. The Spoon Theory provides a valuable tool for individuals with IBD to explain the complexities of their experiences both to others, and to themselves. By embracing this metaphor, you can build understanding, break down misconceptions, and promote a more compassionate and inclusive environment for yourself and others who live with IBD.