We used to be up and about on a Sunday, dog walks, church, shopping and community, now we stay in Molly’s bedroom, today the goal is to slowly make attempts for her to take a bath, help her feel freshened, maybe get dressed or maybe not.

It’s a ‘no” Clean PJ’s and back to bed we go.

Using only ‘now and next’ pictures, giving her time to process and waiting for a window where she executes a movement with momentum that could lead to what we need to do next.

Within a second the window passes and we wait for the next opportunity. No pressure no demands and patience is a requirement.

If you can achieve the smallest thing, it’s massive! for those supporting and of course for Molly.

Combativeness – excitement describes the spontaneous occurrence of excessive activity whereas combativeness describes unprovoked, non goal directed aggression towards others, typically those in the persons immediate environment.

I can see both examples in Mollys current presentation.

Verbigeration- repetition a phrase or sentence (like a scratched record)

The more I read the more I see Molly’s Catatonic state.

It’s now 11.30am and no movement so far,

Let’s start the ‘now and next’ approach again…”now let me see“….

After several times going back to her room she remained in the bathroom, 12.15pm she is bathed – Hurray!!

Back in bed feeling fresher, safe and settled.

I am trying to unpick this catatonia, it’s there, I can see it, and I hate it, it is robbing her of her day to day functioning.

Having a silent picnic in her room, now there’s a first…I will be here till 5pm, stepping in and out of Mollywood isn’t easy…. catatonia is treatable but there is no quick fix.

I am really trying to be ok and also know it’s ok not to be.

It’s quite a rare disorder and there are many others suffering from it, I joined a group on Facebook and having that link to other families is a positive, I can connect and empathise with their journeys.

Sunday Bloody Sunday – they are different these days.

Luv C x