While many teens these days are sneaking on to their computers to build their Internet social sites and chat with their friends, Caitlin's parents are encouraging her to be involved on the Internet in a very constructive manner.

I met Caitlin's mother when she was teaching a class designed and offered through an organization called NAMI - the National Alliance for Mental Illness. In this class, the teachers/facilitators work with caregivers whose charges have recently received a diagnosis of mental illness/disorder in order to better understand what that diagnosis means and how they can best advocate for the ones they are caring for.  Because Caitlin's mother is such a positive role model for many, it is no surprise to me that she is practicing what she preaches and is being a positive influence upon her own child.

What makes this story about Caitlin unique is that she is:

• 15 years old,
• diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder,
• recently diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, too.

She's learning how to work in the Internet world by selling books online at Half.com, as well as selling her paintings on eBay.  So far there is only one painting being sold on eBay, but Caitlin has actually sold over 200 books since May 1st.

In a day and age when many diagnosed with various mental illnesses feel exasperated and left with few options in their lives, Caitlin's mother goes on to describe Caitlin's ongoing recovery process in the following manner: 

Caitlin for years had to deal with the disease as a sibling of a younger brother and for three years we thought her symptoms were the emotional response of growing up with bipolar disorder disrupting the family.  This January she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder as well.  Caiti is prone to panic attacks and also has cut herself in the past.  She is doing better with a mixture of Welbutrin, Prozac and Abilify.   We are helping her build her self esteem with this online business where she has to manage her books, ship them out, organize them, keep books etc.  Right now, she has over 500 books online.  We accept donations from friends and family and try to pick up books at garage sales as well.