One of the most challenging aspects of living with a chronic illness is that it is often invisible. Despite being very debilitating, chronic conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can be very difficult to spot, and, as a result, people suffering with them often experience a lot of stigma. Enter: the spoon theory. First developed by writer Christine Miserandino in 2003, this unlikely analogy has become a popular way for chronic illness patients to describe the struggles of their daily lives.
Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.